At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct experiments and develop innovative colourant technologies in a collaborative lab environment.
- Company: Join AkzoNobel, a pioneering paints company with a rich history and global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable product development and enhance your scientific expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; strong lab skills and a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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
R&D Chemist - Colorants Slough Competitive salary + benefits
Please note – we welcome applications from people with relevant experience and transferable skills, even if you don’t meet every requirement. If this role sparks your interest, we’d love to hear from you. At AkzoNobel, we’ve been pioneering colour, protection and performance for more than 200 years. Our R&D teams develop innovative coating technologies that help customers around the world achieve better performance, sustainability and efficiency. We’re committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the customers and communities we serve.
About the Role As a R&D Chemist in our Pigments, Colorants and Hardware division, you’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering laboratory projects focused on the development and optimisation of colourant technologies. Working closely with the Colorants Team Leader and wider R&D colleagues, you’ll conduct experiments, evaluate formulations and contribute to the development of innovative products that meet customer and business needs. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with laboratory experience who enjoys practical experimentation, problem solving and working in a collaborative research environment.
Key Responsibilities In this role, you will:
- Plan, conduct and analyse laboratory experiments in collaboration with the Colorants Team Leader
- Screen raw materials and develop colourant formulations
- Produce and evaluate milled colourant formulations using established laboratory processes
- Carry out physical and analytical testing of wet and dry paint samples and interpret results
- Support the optimisation and improvement of colourant performance and product properties
- Maintain laboratory equipment used for colourant manufacturing and testing activities
- Record, analyse and communicate experimental findings through reports and presentations
- Provide technical support to manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, customer service and R&D colleagues
- Assist with troubleshooting and supervision of production batches when required
- Contribute ideas for new, improved, safer and more sustainable products, processes and procedures
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe laboratory environment in line with HSE&S requirements
What We’re Looking For You don’t have to tick every box — we value curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to learn. Ideal candidates will bring:
- A degree in Chemistry (or related topic)
- Basic knowledge of coatings chemistry, polymers or formulation technologies
- Strong practical laboratory skills and the ability to work accurately and safely
- Good analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications
- Strong communication and presentation skills in English
- Good organisational and time management skills
- A proactive, results-oriented approach with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute new ideas
What Makes This Role a Great Opportunity Develop specialist expertise in colourant formulation and testing. Work on projects that contribute directly to new product development and performance improvements. Collaborate with experienced scientists and technical specialists. Gain exposure to manufacturing, supply chain and customer-facing technical activities. Build your career within a global organisation focused on innovation and sustainability.
Why AkzoNobel? We offer:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
- Pension, life assurance and income protection
- Wellbeing and mental health support
- Flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle
- A culture centred on inclusion, development and work–life balance
- Access to global learning and career progression opportunities
At AkzoNobel, we believe diverse teams make stronger decisions, drive innovation and create better outcomes. If you’re passionate about science, enjoy solving technical challenges and want to contribute to the future of coatings technology, we encourage you to apply — even if you’re not sure you meet every requirement.
Vacancies R&D Chemist - Colorants in Slough employer: AkzoNobel Corporate
At AkzoNobel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits alongside a culture that prioritises inclusion, development, and work-life balance. As an R&D Chemist in Slough, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced scientists, develop specialist expertise in colourant formulation, and contribute to innovative projects that shape the future of coatings technology. With access to global learning and career progression opportunities, we are committed to fostering your growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vacancies R&D Chemist - Colorants in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at AkzoNobel or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AkzoNobel’s latest projects and innovations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for colourant technologies and how you can contribute to their mission of sustainability and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to colourant formulation during interviews. This will showcase your analytical abilities and your hands-on experience in the lab.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the AkzoNobel team and contributing to their exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Vacancies R&D Chemist - Colorants in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chemistry:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for chemistry shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your love for experimentation and problem-solving in the lab. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the R&D Chemist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We value good communication skills, so make sure your writing reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at AkzoNobel!
How to prepare for a job interview at AkzoNobel Corporate
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of coatings chemistry and formulation technologies. Be ready to discuss how your academic background and practical lab experience can contribute to the innovative colourant projects at AkzoNobel.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past laboratory experiments where you faced challenges. Highlight how you approached these problems, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and proactive mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experimental findings and ideas for new products.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
AkzoNobel values teamwork, so be prepared to share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others in a lab setting. Discuss how you contributed to team projects and how you can bring new ideas to the table while working closely with colleagues.
