R&D Specialist

About AkzoNobel Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com

© 2026 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose This role will be responsible for the development, evaluation, and technical support of wood coating products, working closely with Technical Service, Sales, and Production teams to deliver high-quality solutions that meet customer and business requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop, modify, and evaluate wood coating formulations in line with innovation roadmaps, sustainability objectives, and cost targets.
• Conduct laboratory testing using analytical instruments including FTIR, GC, XRF, UV machines, and Taber Abraser; maintain 5S standards in the Wood lab.
• Evaluate new raw materials and liaise with suppliers to identify alternatives, ensuring compliance with MOC and hazardous chemical (HC) material restrictions.
• Collaborate with Technical Service and Sales teams on customer visits and provide product-related technical support.
• Manage LWR projects and support Key Customer (KC) initiatives from formulation through to scale-up.
• Monitor first-batch production of new formulations and ensure quality and consistency during technology transfer.
• Prepare and maintain Product Data Sheets (PDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for new and existing products.
• Identify and implement Value Engineering (VE) opportunities across wood finishes products.
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing, capability building, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other tasks assigned by line manager.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree or above in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a chemist specialising in wood coatings, with tracked experience development on wood finish coating systems: AC, WB, PU, UV or NC.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot product and application issues.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proactive learner with a strong capability to acquire and apply new technical knowledge to support innovation and business growth.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.