Dispersion Scientist

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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
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Textile Manufacturing
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