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 

 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Researcher I gains insight into new research by developing, preparing, executing and analyzing research elements (e.g. problems, questions, ideas) in paints and coatings and creates new and improves existing research coating methodologies, in line with the R&D strategy, project and R&D functional standards, in order to gain insight into new developments and contribute to the realization of the strategic objectives of AkzoNobel.

Key Responsibilities

•    Conducts research to develop new and improve existing coating technologies using innovative ideas, scientific principles, novel materials, and contemporary test methods
•    Maintains detailed technical records in the form of electronic laboratory notebooks, database, and formulation software (Optiva®, ProductVision®, Syteline®).
•    Collaborates with legal counsel to protect intellectual property (IP) pertaining to novel coating technologies developed through innovative research
•    Serves as the Technical Lead for coatings research projects
•    Ensure robustness in all phases of research and development using accepted techniques including DOE, FMEA, SPC, and others as required
•    Provides technical assistance and support to Production, Sales, and Marketing in support of product scale-up, quality control, application testing, and other cross-functional activities 
•    Knows and observes company and location health and safety requirements
•    Maintains detailed technical records in the form of a Laboratory Notebook or Computer Databases 
•    Provide progress reports, monthly and quarterly reports, technical plans, and project summaries to ensure appropriate communication of project status and needs 
•    Disseminates findings and key outputs of research projects to colleagues through technical reports
•    Stays abreast of relevant research in the field of coatings technology
•    Maintains and develops professional contacts including company personnel, vendors, and customers 
•    Maintains a safe and clean work environment in accordance with company safety rules to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environments and safety regulations 
•    Oversees specific functions and/or locations, as required 
•    Travel requirements are light, typically 0-4 trips annually 
•    Participates in Special Teams including safety, HSE, housekeeping, etc. as required 
•    Performs additional duties as assigned and required
•    Upholds quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.)

Education

Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Material Science.

•    6-9 years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s Degree, or 
•    1-3 years of relevant experience with Master’s Degree, or
•    0-2 years of relevant experience with PhD

Job Requirement

•    Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  
•    Ability to keep detailed technical records. 
•    Must be fluent in English. 
•    Ability to apply concepts of algebra, geometry, basic statistics, and computer spreadsheet calculations. 
•    Able to use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook at a proficient level. 
•    Able to perform common tasks utilizing MS PowerPoint, MS Project, Optiva and SAP
•    Ability to utilize all indicated software at a proficient level.
•    Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. 
•    Ability to understand, interpret, and execute a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and/or schedule formats. 
•    Ability to organize and present data in graphical and tabular formats. 
•    Ability to interpret data and develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures and reactivity, propose, and test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. 
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tool, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk and sit. 
•    The employee is regularly required to lift objects up to 40 pounds.
•    The employee is regularly required to wear a variety of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, chemical resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and/or positive and negative pressure respirators.
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Rewards & Benfits

Base salary range for this role is: $80,000 to $90,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Benefits beginning Day 1 401K retirement savings with 6% company match Annual bonus Medical insurance with HSA Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay Tuition Reimbursement Career growth opportunities Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks Competencies Accepting DirectionAccepting ResponsibilityAcquiring Information

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.

Requisition ID: #LI-SS1