Dispersion Scientist

Job Title:
Dispersion Scientist / R&D Chemist – Inkjet Textile Formulations

Location:
Waurn Ponds, Victoria |
Department:
R&D |
Reports To:
Textile R&D Manager

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 ink formulations 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