What You Will Enjoy Doing
We are seeking a senior scientist to join our dynamic dispersion coating R&D team. This role focuses on developing and optimizing dispersion formulations and processes to enhance coating performance, especially for fiber-based packaging. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemistry, material science, or chemical engineering, with expertise in dispersions and coatings.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead formulation development and R&D projects for dispersion coatings
* Develop dispersions with optimal application, drying, and barrier properties
* Plan and evaluate coating trials, including application and drying performance
* Analyze dispersions using rheological and microscopic methods
* Optimize processes for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
* Scale technologies from lab to industrial level
* Translate customer needs into technical specifications and performance tests
* Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, application specialists, and quality teams
* Troubleshoot formulation issues and support continuous improvement
* Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulations
* Contribute to intellectual property development and innovation
* Guide lab and process technicians, ensuring safe and accurate experiment execution
* Support knowledge sharing and training initiatives
What makes you great
* Ph.D. or MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
* Minimum 3+ years of experience in dispersion formulation, coatings development or coatings-related experience.
* Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, surfactants, and dispersion mechanisms.
* Familiarity with dispersion equipment (e.G., spray nozzles) and characterization techniques (e.G., rheology, microscopy spectroscopy) is desirable.
* Familiarity with coatings applications in industrial sectors with a focus on coating of natural fiber-based substrates.
* Supervisory experience leading technicians is desirable.
* Knowledge of spraying and other coating application processes.
* Capable of adapting in a rapidly evolving market.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
* Project management experience is a plus.
* Excellent written & oral communication skills for internal and customer audiences.
What you can expect working with us
* We believe in flat hierarchies, short decision making paths and open communication
* There is ALPLA Kids all-day childcare for children aged between 15 months and 6 years
* You can expect a secure future with us – as a manufacturing company, we are globally on a growth path
* We promote climate-friendly mobility with everything from a year-long season ticket for local public transport to purchasing an e-bike
* Benefit from discounts on tickets for sports events, better private insurance conditions, the registration fees for running events being covered and numerous discounts at retail outlets in Vorarlberg