R&D Specialist, UV & Waterborne Coatings

Job Description

Products: Waterborne & UV Coatings (Wood Coatings)

Work location: AkzoNobel Vietnam - 107 Amata, Amata IZ, Bien Hoa (shuttle bus service is provided)

Main objectives:

• Drive and execute RD&I activities in Wood Coatings, focusing on both product development and lab operations to support AkzoNobel Vietnam’s innovation roadmap and strategic business goals.

• Lead formulation and modification projects on WB and UV products, ensuring effective execution of lab work aligned with sustainability performance, and cost targets.

• Develop full waterborne coatings system for SEA.

• Develop waterborne and UV curing coatings systems for OEM customers.

• Perform and oversee comprehensive lab testing and product evaluation to ensure quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

• Collaborate closely with Technical Service and Sales teams to provide expert support during customer visits and resolve product-related issues efficiently.

• Take ownership of rework and troubleshooting for WB and UV wood coatings and contribute to continuous product improvement.

• Support scale-up and first batch production, ensuring smooth technology transfer and product consistency, particularly for key customer projects.

• Proactively contribute to knowledge sharing, best practices, and continuous improvement within the RD&I team.

Key responsibilities:

• To ensure that product developed comply with the requirements of MOC and HC materials

• Raw material evaluation

• New raw material introduction making sure checking on slate , MOC & PSRA

• Customer service and trouble shooting

• To perform the analytical work with the Fourier Transform InfraRed Machine (FTIR), Gas Chromatography (GC), Moisture Analyzer (MA), X-Ray Flourescence (XRF), Taber Abraser, Centrifugue, Mar Tester, UV machines and other equipments be required

• To monitor in production the making of the first batch of the new formulation

• To prepare the Product Data Sheet and generate Material Safety Data Sheet (from Web Application) of existing or new products

• To work on VE in WB and WB products

• To implement 5S in Woodlab

• To meet with suppliers to look for new raw material or substitute.

Job Requirement

• At least 8 years of experience as chemist for waterborne or UV Wood coatings.

• Have hands-on experience and solutions on full water coatings system on furniture or UV coatings for furniture.

• Have strong knowledge on IKEA test methods and regulations.

• Preferred to have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

• Team player, strong problem fixer and new technology learning capability.

• Must be able to write and speak fluently in English.