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: Embrace diversity and grow your career in a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product development while working with experienced scientists.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; strong lab skills and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
Location: Slough, GB
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
- 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?
- 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
Equal Opportunity Employer
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best selves. 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.
R&D Chemist - Colorants in Slough employer: AkzoNobel
At AkzoNobel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an R&D Chemist in Slough, you'll have the opportunity to develop your expertise in colourant formulation while working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values diversity and continuous improvement. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to employee growth, AkzoNobel is dedicated to helping you build a rewarding career in a global organisation focused on sustainability and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your lab work and any projects you've been involved in. This is your chance to demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving abilities in a way that a CV just can't capture.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that interests you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the position and mention how your skills align with what they’re looking for. It shows initiative and can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching AkzoNobel’s latest projects and innovations. Be ready to discuss how your background in chemistry and colourant technologies can contribute to their goals. Tailoring your responses to their values will make a great impression!
We think you need these skills to ace 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 bring that passion to our R&D team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of R&D Chemist - Colorants. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining AkzoNobel.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at AkzoNobel.
How to prepare for a job interview at AkzoNobel
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of coatings chemistry, polymers, 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 and how you overcame them. Highlight your analytical abilities and how they can help in optimising colourant performance and product properties.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, be prepared to present your ideas clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
AkzoNobel values collaboration, so think of instances where you worked effectively as part of a team. Share how you contributed new ideas and supported your colleagues in achieving common goals in a lab setting.
