Job Description
Location: Harlow
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Benefits: Company pension, 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Are you an experienced chemist with a background in resin synthesis and varnish formulation? We’re looking for a Varnish Chemist to join our R&D team to support the development of advanced varnish systems for offset and intaglio inks for security printing applications.
What You’ll Do
· Develop and optimise oxidatively cured varnish systems for printing inks
· Select and evaluate raw materials to meet performance, cost, and regulatory criteria
· Carry out resin synthesis, varnish and ink preparation, print testing & analytical evaluations
· Troubleshoot formulation issues and improve performance
· Produce lab prints to validate ink printability and durability
· Ensure regulatory compliance and contribute to sustainable, low-VOC technologies
· Collaborate across R&D and production teams, managing multiple projects with clear communication
Skills & Experience Required
· Proven experience in resin synthesis and varnish formulation (offset & intaglio preferred)
· Strong polymer chemistry knowledge
· Understanding of formulation principles and the interactions between varnishes, pigments, solvents, and additives
· Hands‑on experience with laboratory synthesis techniques and applications testing
· Raw material sourcing experience
· Knowledge of offset and intaglio printing processes and experience of running press trials would be an advantage
· Strong communication and project management skills
Qualifications
* BSc or higher in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field