Analytical R&D Specialist

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 Dulux, 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.

 

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Analytical R&D Specialist
Slough, UK
£competitive plus benefits

Please note – we welcome applications from people with relevant experience and transferable skills, even if you don’t meet every requirement. If this role sparks your interest, we’d love to hear from you.

At AkzoNobel, we’ve been pioneering colour, protection and performance for more than 200 years. Our teams develop innovative coatings and solutions that help customers around the world achieve better performance, sustainability and efficiency.

We’re committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the customers and communities we serve.

About the Role
As an Analytical R&D Specialist within our Materials Characterisation Section (MCS), you’ll play a key role in helping our technical teams solve complex challenges through analytical chemistry expertise and insight.

Based in Slough, you'll work closely with colleagues across R&D, manufacturing, quality and technical support functions, delivering high-quality analytical testing and interpretation that supports innovation, product development, troubleshooting and customer satisfaction.
The MCS team provides specialist analytical support across a wide range of activities, from developing next-generation decorative paint technologies and reverse engineering competitor products to resolving manufacturing issues and supporting customer complaints. Operating within an ISO 17025-accredited environment, the team combines advanced analytical techniques with scientific expertise to deliver meaningful solutions to complex technical problems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical chemist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, problem-solving and collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders while continuing to develop their technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
• Perform analytical testing and interpretation using techniques such as HPLC and other laboratory methods to support business objectives
• Deliver high-quality analytical data and insights to agreed timelines
• Support reverse engineering, product development, innovation and troubleshooting activities
• Develop and optimise analytical methods to meet evolving customer and business requirements
• Accurately record, analyse and communicate technical results in line with quality standards
• Plan and manage assigned analytical projects and laboratory activities effectively
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration, maintenance and operational excellence
• Build a strong understanding of decorative paint formulations and key raw material technologies
• Collaborate closely with internal customers to understand challenges and deliver effective solutions
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of new analytical approaches
• Support compliance with ISO 17025 quality requirements and participate in internal audit activities
• Promote a safe, compliant and well-organised laboratory environment
• Contribute positively to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture

What We’re Looking For
You don’t have to tick every box — we value curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to learn.
Ideal candidates will bring:
• A degree in Chemistry or a related physical science discipline
• Practical experience in analytical chemistry within an industrial, research or laboratory environment
• Technical expertise and independence in at least one analytical technique area
• Experience with chromatographic, spectroscopic or related analytical methods (such as HPLC, GC, FTIR or ICP-OES) is advantageous
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent laboratory and experimental skills with a focus on quality and accuracy
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities
• A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Customer-focused thinking and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes
• Understanding of laboratory Health & Safety practices and quality systems
• Experience within coatings, polymers or related industries is desirable but not essential

What Makes This Role a Great Opportunity
• Apply your analytical chemistry expertise to real-world technical and commercial challenges
• Contribute to the development and improvement of innovative decorative paint technologies
• Work in an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory environment using a wide range of analytical techniques
• Collaborate with scientists, formulators and technical experts across multiple functions
• Develop your technical capabilities through exposure to diverse analytical challenges
• Take ownership of projects and contribute directly to business success
• Join a team that values scientific curiosity, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
• Build your career within a global organisation focused on innovation, collaboration and professional development

Why AkzoNobel?
We offer:
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Pension, life assurance and income protection
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle
• A culture centred on inclusion, development and work–life balance
• Access to global learning and career progression opportunities

At AkzoNobel, we believe diverse teams make stronger decisions, drive innovation and create better outcomes. If you’re passionate about analytical science, problem-solving and delivering insights that help shape innovative products, we encourage you to apply — even if you’re not sure you meet every requirement.

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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.

Requisition ID: 54499