Development Chemist – Inkjet Ink

About the role

The Development Chemist will lead the formulation, optimisation and scale‑up of inkjet inks for industrial printing applications in the pharmaceutical packaging sector. The role combines hands‑on laboratory work, analytical testing and close collaboration with production, quality and engineering teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise inkjet ink formulations to meet customer specifications.
• Select and evaluate raw materials, ensuring compliance with food/pharma packaging regulations.
• Prepare test batches and conduct laboratory‑scale trials (60‑70% hands‑on).
• Measure and analyse physical properties such as viscosity, surface tension and stability.
• Support patent searches and document intellectual property for novel formulations.
• Prepare technical data sheets, test reports and project updates.
• Collaborate with senior chemists, production teams and application engineers to scale up formulations and test ink‑printer‑substrate interactions.
• Interface with suppliers for raw‑material evaluation and technical improvements.
• Assist customers during trials and provide technical troubleshooting.

Required profile

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Colloid Science or related field (PhD desirable).
• 2–5+ years of hands‑on experience developing inks, coatings or dispersions.
• Experience with inkjet technology and pigment dispersion chemistry.
• Familiarity with UV‑curable systems.
• Enjoy laboratory work and testing (60‑70% of time).

Required skills

• Ink formulation
• Inkjet technology
• Pigment dispersion and dispersant selection
• Stability optimisation
• UV‑curable ink systems
• Viscosity and surface tension measurement
• Analytical testing
• Lab‑scale trial execution
• Patent search and IP documentation
• Technical data‑sheet preparation