Dispersion Scientist

About Us:Xefco is an Australian-owned company that creates innovative textile and coating technologies with a vision to create a more sustainable future for the textile industry.  Incorporated in 2018, we have a track record of developing novel technologies that have been adopted by some of the world's leading outdoor apparel and fashion brands.

Xefco has pioneered a novel plasma technology, called Ausora that provides a sustainable dyeing and finishing solution to eliminate water pollution from textile manufacturing.  Ausora has been developed through a long-standing research partnership with Deakin University and is set to bring a disruptive manufacturing solution to the textile industry together a broad range of other potential applications.

About the Role:

We are seeking a talented Dispersion Scientist or R&D Chemist to join our R&D team and lead the development of advanced inkjet formulations for textile printing.  This role is perfect for a chemist or materials scientist who thrives at the intersection of colloidal chemistry, formulation science, and cutting-edge inkjet technology.  You'll have the opportunity to work on innovative pigment dispersions, scaling lab concepts into full-scale manufacturing, and directly influencing the next generation of textile printing solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Design and optimise pigment dispersions for textile inkjet systems, ensuring excellent jetting reliability and fabric compatibility.
• Select and test surfactants, binders, humectants, and other additives to enhance ink stability, adhesion, and overall print quality.
• Control pigment particle size and distribution through advanced milling and dispersion techniques.
• Perform stability testing, including zeta potential, sedimentation, and rheological analysis, to guarantee shelf-life and consistency.
• Validate printhead performance by testing droplet formation, jetting reliability, and long-term nozzle health.
• Assess ink–fabric interactions to ensure vibrant colour, penetration, fastness, and superior textile feel.
• Partner with production teams to scale laboratory-developed inks into reliable manufacturing processes.
• Ensure formulations meet all environmental, regulatory, and textile safety standards.
• Implement robust QC protocols to ensure product consistency from raw materials to finished inks.
• Innovate and develop novel ink formulations which may include pigments, binders, and dispersion technologies, contributing to patents and intellectual property strategies for competitive advantage
• Contribute to innovation through new pigment, binder, and dispersion technologies, including intellectual property development.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred) with 10+ years' industry experience.
• Proven experience in colloidal chemistry, pigment dispersion, and ink formulation.
• Hands-on knowledge of particle size reduction, rheological analysis, and surface chemistry.
• Familiarity with inkjet printing technologies and textile printing processes.
• Strong understanding of environmental and safety compliance in ink chemistry.

Who you are:

• Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work cross-functionally in an R&D-driven environment.
• Be self-driven with ability to seek information and solutions from internal and external sources.
• Behave with professionalism, act in good faith, and with honesty.
• Effectively communicate with a team and project partners.
• Use leadership skills to foster a team environment and manage team resources effectively.
• Keep yourself and others safe when you are at work