About AkzoNobel
Since, 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 Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 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.
© Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
R&D Chemist
Felling, Newcastle
Competitive salary plus benefits
We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience and transferable skills, even if you don’t meet every requirement listed below. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you.
At AkzoNobel, we’ve been bringing surfaces to life for over years — protecting people, assets, and the environments we live and work in. Our research and development teams play a critical role in creating innovative, sustainable coatings that help our customers succeed. We’re committed to building diverse teams that reflect the customers and communities we serve.
Job Purpose
As an R&D Specialist II in the Innovation Group, you will contribute to the design, execution, and analysis of practical experiments that support research, development, and technical projects across the business. Working as part of collaborative project teams, you will help turn ideas into robust, high-quality solutions that meet business and customer needs.
This role is in the area of substrate protection and offers the opportunity to apply strong technical expertise in a hands-on environment, while continuing to grow your skills within a global, science-led organisation.
Key Responsibilities
• Design, prepare, and execute laboratory-based experiments in line with project and functional standards
• Deliver project results on time, ensuring quality, feasibility, and alignment with business objectives
• Apply appropriate methodologies, tools, and systems to support research and development activities
• Accurately document experimental work, results, and findings using established reporting systems
• Contribute as an active member of cross-functional project teams, sharing insights and technical input
• Protect AkzoNobel technologies and intellectual property
• Maintain and promote a safe, clean, and organised working environment, following all safety policies and procedures
• Ask the right questions to clarify requirements, expectations, and critical performance parameters
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to tick every box — we value curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and a willingness to learn as much as experience.
• Relevant experience in R&D, laboratory, or technical environments is preferable
• Confidence working independently on defined technical tasks, while collaborating effectively within a team
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyse and interpret experimental data
• Organised, methodical approach with good documentation skills
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Experience & Qualifications
• Degree in a scientific discipline
• Familiarity with experimental, development, and/or analytical techniques relevant to R&D environments
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
What Makes This Role Different
• Hands-on involvement in meaningful R&D projects with real-world impact
• Exposure to a broad range of technologies, products, and development challenges
• A collaborative environment where ideas, curiosity, and technical rigor are valued
• Opportunities to grow technical depth and career pathways within a global organisation
What We Offer at AkzoNobel
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Pension scheme, life assurance, and income protection
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Flexible benefits to suit different lifestyles and life stages
• A culture that actively supports inclusion, wellbeing, and work-life balance
• Ongoing learning, development, and career progression opportunities
#LI-LB1
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.
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