Scientist – Barrier Coatings - Wommelgem

About the Role · As a Scientist – Barrier Coatings, you will play a key role in the development of innovative, sustainable barrier coating solutions for paper, board, and molded fiber applications, with a strong focus on food service packaging. · You will combine hands-on laborat ...

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About the Role

As a Scientist – Barrier Coatings, you will play a key role in the development of innovative, sustainable barrier coating solutions for paper, board, and molded fiber applications, with a strong focus on food service packaging.

You will combine hands-on laboratory work with cross-functional collaboration, contributing from early-stage concept development through pilot scale-up and commercial validation. This is a technically driven role requiring deep formulation expertise, strong analytical skills, and close cooperation with application, marketing, and commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize barrier coating formulations for paper, board, and molded fiber articles, primarily for food service applications

• Provide technical support for existing barrier and coating products

• Build and apply fundamental understanding of coating components and their contribution to overall performance

• Develop expertise in surface application of barrier coatings on molded fiber substrates

• Propose and develop new formulations from concept to pilot and commercial scale

• Plan, conduct, and analyze laboratory experiments and translate results into actionable conclusions

• Coordinate day-to-day activities of one or more lab technicians

• Work closely with the paper applications team and other R&D colleagues

• Review patent and scientific literature in the relevant field

• Collaborate with marketing, application, and commercial teams on evaluation and validation plans

• Participate in pilot and commercial coating trials, including on-site customer testing

• Conduct hazard reviews and ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards

• Document experimental work and present findings and recommendations to stakeholders

Your Profile

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Bio-Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field

• 3–10 years of industrial R&D experience in paints, inks, or coatings formulation

• Experience with barrier coatings, printing technologies, or molded fiber applications is a strong advantage

• Strong expertise in polymer chemistry, emulsion chemistry, latex technologies, or coating formulations

• Experience with bio-based or bio-renewable technologies is highly desirable

• Strong interest in sustainability and circular materials

• Fluent in Dutch and English (both required)

• Proficient in MS Office tools

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Structured, analytical, and hands-on approach

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work in cross-functional environments

What We Offer

• A technically challenging R&D position with high impact on sustainable packaging solutions

• Opportunity to contribute to innovative, bio-based technologies

• Collaboration in an international, multidisciplinary environment

• Room for professional growth and development

Interested?

Are you passionate about polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, and developing innovative coating technologies that make a real impact?

If you are looking for a role where you can combine scientific depth with practical application and cross-functional collaboration, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a team shaping the future of sustainable packaging solutions.