Resin Researcher

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 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.

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We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Resin Researcher / Principal Investigator to join our RD&I (Research, Development & Innovation) team based in Sunshine. This role will be the key resin expert, responsible for driving resin innovation, supporting quality, and connecting closely with our global resin research team.

In this role, you will design and run experiments, "cook" resins, analyse data, and deliver technical reports — while also engaging with global stakeholders and supporting technology transfer.

• Lead resin design, synthesis, scale-up, and testing
• Analyse data and write detailed technical reports, patents, and trade secrets
• Collaborate with regional/global teams on projects, reviews, and brainstorming
• Support toller plant quality management and technology transfer
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and best practices

• Master's degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Polymer Science. Bachelor's degree in a related field and substantial relevant experience will be also considered.
• 5–10 years' experience in polymer synthesis (resin "cooking") and scale-up
• Strong background in polymer, coating, or resin industries
• Technical expertise across polyester, epoxy, polyurethanes, acrylics, waterborne emulsions, etc.
• Proficiency in polymer characterization techniques (GPC, FTIR, NMR, pyrolysis-GC, etc.)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across business units globally
• Self-motivated, problem-solving mindset with ability to work autonomously
• Experience with project management, reporting, and IP protection

Being a Global company, we have a suite of benefits we can offer you than your standard permanent role and job stability:

• Career Pathway and Training: We're committed to helping you reach your career goals. We offer training and development opportunities that open doors to your next steps. Including exposure to global projects and collaboration with leading resin experts.
• Performance Bonuses: Don't settle for the ordinary. You have the potential to earn more with annual bonus on top of your base salary
• Let Akzo Nobel, help you meet your health goals: Your health matters to us. Enjoy a free annual flu vaccination and financial support for health and wellbeing programs of your choice each year.
• Want to stretch your dollar further? Enjoy our employee benefits on discounted private health insurance with Bupa and free access for you and your family on our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), that include discount on retail goods and services. 
• Looking for more perks? Join us to find out more…

You're a hands-on polymer chemist who thrives on solving complex challenges, passionate about resin innovation, and able to bridge technical expertise with strong communication skills. You'll be the go-to expert in our BU RD&I team, making this role both challenging and rewarding.

If you're ready to shape the future of resin technology and grow your career with a global leader, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by sending your CV and cover letter.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. 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. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.