(Senior) Researcher

Job description

Initiate and perform breakthrough research for a leading international organization

AkzoNobel's Performance Coatings business includes a Specialty Coatings business which supports Aerospace, Automotive, Yacht and Consumer Electronics markets. Within Specialty Coatings, a dedicated Development Lab team develops advanced coatings and paints for our customers. The Lab works closely with clients, external research centers as universities, as well as with other AkzoNobel laboratories. This makes it a uniquely fluid and flexible capability, specifically designed and structured for the dynamic, commercial arena that it serves.

This demands the highest levels of customer focused research and delivery as we meet the demands of cutting edge clients in a fast moving world. It requires us to work flexibly within multidisciplinary teams as we coordinate different projects at the same time. Besides it calls for a commitment to continuous improvement, both collectively and individually, along with a talent for thinking ‘outside the box' and openness to new influences.

Could you investigate new technologies based on literature, congresses and latest insights? Can you ‘own' ideas and link them to customer needs/market trends in order to initiate the development of new research projects? Are you able to manage (sub)projects and ensure that results are delivered within the agreed time frame, objectives and budget?

If so, we encourage you to apply for the position of

(Senior) Researcher

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. Calling on centuries of expertise, we supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet.

Our business area Performance Coatings is a world leader in technology and innovation, with a global reputation for quality and reliability. Offering in-depth knowledge and expertise in areas as diverse as fouling control, color matching, surface design and fire protection, our innovative and sustainable technologies are used in everything from construction and consumer electronics to transport and sports equipment.

The role and its responsibilities

Working from the Development Lab in Sassenheim, the Netherlands, you act as an expert in a specific area, keeping this expertise up-to-date and acting as focal point for advice across the organization. You also embody and represent projects to the external client.

Thus you set up, plan and ensure the execution of experiments. You then analyze and report results and translate the findings into new products. You are expected and encouraged to formulate and present your own possible solution directions and proactively advise on the optimization and improvement of on-going projects. You work closely with other Development Labs in amongst other China, the US and the UK to achieve synergy.

At all times you monitor patents and publications from our main competitors in order to advise management about possible fields of investigation and infringements on AkzoNobel patents.

As a stimulating leader you deliver outstanding people management, development, coaching and appraisal.

Desired profile

Candidate profile
To apply for this position you must possess the following attributes:

·Degree level or higher of working and thinking and at least three years of relevant experience within RD&I;
·Committed to putting the clients' priorities first;
·Willing and able to visit clients or partners (5-10% of the time);
·Good international communication skills and an understanding of cultural differences;
·Stress resistant and able to work to deadlines;
·Fluent written and spoken English.

Application details
For further information, please contact Center of Excellence, Talent Resourcing, phone +31 (0)88 010 6789 #2. We welcome your online application via our website www.akzonobel.nl/careers , reference 150004IV.

Agency or sales calls are not appreciated.