Polymer Expert / Supervisor

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Polymer Expert/Application Lab. Supervisor
Based in North Netherlands

Client:

Our client is a global leader in plastic additives, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. With multiple locations worldwide and approximately 1,000 employees, the company serves key markets including food, pharmaceuticals and plastics. Its products play a vital role in environmentally friendly applications, enhancing the performance and lifespan of plastics. The organisation is expanding internationally while remaining true to its core values of quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Role Summary:

Our client is seeking a hands-on Polymer Scientist / Application Lab Supervisor to play a pivotal role in setting up and leading the new Application Laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing test protocols, coordinating analysis, and translating results into meaningful application insights. This is a rare opportunity to help build a lab from the ground up and influence the company’s future technical capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and expand the new Application Laboratory, including defining methods, procedures and testing protocols.
• Oversee the installation, calibration and validation of equipment (supervisory rather than hands-on calibration).
• Characterise polymer end properties (thermal, mechanical, optical) and translate results into practical, application-based insights.
• Work closely with R&D, QC and Technical teams to bridge development and quality processes, ensuring a smooth workflow from formulation through to application testing.
• Support the commercial and technical service teams by translating customer requirements into testing and application projects.
• Develop and implement analytical methods and performance criteria to ensure accurate, high-quality results.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring as the laboratory grows, with the potential to build and manage a small team over time.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and quality standards.

Candidate Profile:

• MBO Chemistry (MLO level 4) with several years of relevant laboratory experience; a BSc, MSc, or PhD in polymer chemistry, materials science, or a related field is a plus.
• At least 3 years of experience in polymer characterisation and application-oriented research.
• Strong knowledge of structure-property relationships in polymers.
• Knowledge of or affinity with LIMS systems.
• Collaborative and communicative, comfortable working with technical and commercial colleagues.
• Experience with product development and translating it into production or commercial applications.
• Proficient in problem-solving, data-driven analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
• Management experience, preferably in a laboratory or R&D environment.
• Personal attributes: proactive, flexible, eager to learn, and capable of growing into a leadership position.
• Competencies: accurate, proactive, communicative, socially skilled and critical thinker.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Dutch is an advantage or willingness to improve.
• Willingness to be based in the Northern Netherlands and travel as required.

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For EU roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the European Union. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027

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