R&D Specialist (Wood Coating)

Purposes:

This role will be responsible for the development, evaluation, and technical support of wood coating products, working closely with Technical Service, Sales, and Production teams to deliver high-quality solutions that meet customer and business requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and evaluate wood coating formulations in line with innovation roadmaps, sustainability objectives, and cost targets.
• Conduct laboratory testing using analytical instruments including FTIR, GC, XRF, UV machines, and Taber Abraser; maintain 5S standards in the Wood lab.
• Evaluate new raw materials and liaise with suppliers to identify alternatives, ensuring compliance with MOC and hazardous chemical (HC) material restrictions.
• Collaborate with Technical Service and Sales teams on customer visits and provide product-related technical support.
• Manage LWR projects and support Key Customer (KC) initiatives from formulation through to scale-up.
• Monitor first-batch production of new formulations and ensure quality and consistency during technology transfer.
• Prepare and maintain Product Data Sheets (PDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for new and existing products.
• Identify and implement Value Engineering (VE) opportunities across wood finishes products.
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing, capability building, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other tasks assigned by line manager.

• Bachelor's degree or above in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a chemist specializing in wood coatings, with tracked experience development on wood finish coating systems: AC, WB, PU, UV or NC.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot product and application issues.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proactive learner with a strong capability to acquire and apply new technical knowledge to support innovation and business growth.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.