Senior Scientist - Dispersion coating (all gender)
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
Legally mandatory note: In line with the minimum salary stipulated in the collective agreement, the actual salary for this position is based on professional qualifications and experience.
Contact
Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG
mr Daniel Schmid, Human Resources
Mockenstraße 34
6971 Hard