R&D Specialist II

The role and its responsibilities

AkzoNobel’s global success is based on rigorous production quality allied to groundbreaking research and innovation. The Automotive Specialty Coatings (ASC) laboratory in Sassenheim, the Netherlands, is key to this RD&I capability, focus on Commercial Vehicles/Transport, Rail and Automotive metal components products.

Based at our plant in Sassenheim, the Netherlands, you will become part of a dynamic, complex, and global business with a high level of technical and quality requirements. As mentioned, one of your core tasks is to execute lab requests from (mainly) marketing for all kind of products, performing complaints analysis and propose solutions, and to support our production plant in supplying the high quality our customers demand. This involves performing desk studies and drawing up test programs with realistic time schedules. Being able to work in multi-discipline teams is key.

This role includes execution of test programs (characterization of paint, preparation panels, apply paint, system testing, color measurements etc) and work closely with service departments and application specialists.

Finally, you should always evaluate results, formulate conclusions, and propose next steps, documenting and presenting all in English.

Key accountabilities

• Maintains and promotes a safe work environment, complies with safety policies and procedures. Follows safe work practices for personal and equipment safety, in both the laboratory and in the field. End results are zero or minimum safety incidents and a clean, orderly working environment;
• Works according to quality standards as set by Lab management (for example ISO 9001);
• Conducts a significant level of formulation and technical work in the lab as defined in the project or production support plan;
• Can be deployed flexibly throughout the organization;
• Documents lab results through appropriate means including databases, laboratory notebooks, Technical summary reports and monthly summaries;
• Delivering project results on time;
• Feasible and timely development according to business needs;
• Correct use of methodologies and tools;
• Asks appropriate questions to clarify requirements, expectations and critical performance parameters;
• Is familiar with characterization techniques, e.g. mechanical and chemical techniques;
• Can give occasional functional guidance to technician level employees.

Key Activities

• Switch quickly the best possible solution and (dare to) decide based on the obtained data and move forward;
• Perform all kind of paint related tests (wet and dry);
• Making paint on lab scale needed for testing;
• Create and implement statistical set-ups;
• Reporting in Lab-Notes and Technical Reports.

What do you bring?

To apply for this position you must possess the following attributes:

• HBO/Bachelor chemistry (or related) level education, preferably with experience of the paint chemistry, or willingness to attend courses in this field; for this function we are not looking for WO, Master or PhD candidates.
• Able to make and present sub-studies Quality driven and awareness 
• Proactively find solutions to improve quality and effectively deal with new Marketing requests.
• Self-starter.
• Knowledge of statistics and Design of Experiments, or willingness to attend courses in this field
• Good communication and interpersonal skills including strong written and verbal Dutch and English.

Become part of an outstanding company

AkzoNobel is consistently rated as one of the top employers in The Netherlands. You will join a company that is committed to achieving real sustainability. At a personal level you will also benefit from:

• A competitive salary with an above average number of annual holidays.
• Participation in the AkzoNobel pension plan.
• Travel expenses to and from work.
• Opportunities for education that will help you to grow beyond this role.

More information and how to apply

We welcome your online application via https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers. Only online applications including resume and cover letter will be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Marcel Thor, Talent Acquisition Partner. E-mail TalentResourcing.NL@akzonobel.com.