R&D Technologist

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.

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R&D Technologist

Competitive salary plus benefits

Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE10 0JY

We've been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there's a good chance you're only ever a few meters away from one of our products. 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 have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It's what you'd expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Material Scientist, Chemist or Chemical Engineer to work in a fast-paced environment, supporting research, development & testing on the latest rain erosion-resistant coatings for wind turbine blades/renewable energy sector.

Job Purpose

The role will involve testing of our Wind blade coatings for erosion performance which will include: application, planning, execution, detailed interpretation of results and test method development.

As a member of our R&D team you will be responsible for day to day running of scientific equipment, operations, maintenance, interacting with customers and service providers at our Felling (UK) manufacturing site.

Job Responsibilities

• Support testing of existing & newly emerging technologies, products & processes for the Wind blade market.

• Collaborate with colleagues to develop & manage short/long-term plans for assigned projects & support activities.

• Develop a fundamental understanding of rain erosion theory & new technology trends.

• Build an understanding of customer needs to be able to translate customer specifications into test methods.

• Design, develop, carry-out, evaluate & interpret erosion experiments. Prepare & report results.

• Develop new test methods and models to link laboratory testing to real life performance.

• Make recommendations for next steps & communicate key results to stakeholders.

• Ensure calibration and troubleshooting of the erosion test equipment.

• Support training of chemists on the test procedures and interpretation of results.

• Work safely & comply with legal & company regulations.

Job Requirements

• Masters or BSc degree or equivalent in Material Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

• Or relevant industry experience.

• Good laboratory skills – safe, structured, logical approach with excellent attention to detail

• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.

• Committed to following processes & procedures.

• Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues & customers is key.

• Understands the importance of keeping a safe working environment.

What do we Offer at AkzoNobel

We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience).

• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays.

• Income protection.

• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Employee Life Assurance.

• Company pension.

• Product discounts.

• Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.

Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

BSc. Masters. In Material Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, relevant industry experience

#LI-SH1

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.