Applications Development Scientist - Inks

This is the role

We are seeking an experienced Inks Applications Scientist with over 10 years of experience developing, formulating, and commercializing Inks. This role demands deep technical knowledge of ink formulations, raw materials, printing techniques, and substrates, combined with strategic leadership to drive innovation, cost optimization, and environmental stewardship. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert, collaborating closely with R&D, marketing, sales teams, and customers to deliver high-performance materials for Inks applications that meet regulatory and market requirements. This position sits within Eastman’s technology organization and provides support for our Coatings business organization. The position reports through the Group Leader Coatings Applications Development, located Ghent Belgium and is part of a global team.

 Job Responsibilities:
•    Provide technical leadership and mentorship on Inks properties, printing/application processes (e.g., Inkjet, Flexo, Gravure), performance testing and application requirements for various substrates.
•    Lead customer-facing projects regarding the design, development, and optimization of ink materials and formulations, including resins, solvents, additives, etc.
•    Drive innovation in sustainable solutions by evaluating new raw materials, bio-based solutions, and recyclable/compostable technologies.
•    Develop and maintain detailed testing specifications, technical documentation, and compliance requirements tailored to inks.
•    Engage the packaging value chain to discover needs across multiple applications and prioritize opportunities for development work
•    Influence decision makers at customers to adopt new solutions
•    Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments related to inks and sustainability to inform strategic decisions.
•    Partner with cross functional teams across R&D, marketing, sales and business development teams to deliver new business growth
 

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in inks development
• Experience qualifying new inks formulations
• Technical understanding of different inks technologies including, inkjet, flexo, gravure, etc.
• Proven expertise in ink performance testing and requirements
• Knowledge of emerging trends, sustainability principles, and regulatory compliance for inks.
• Experience engaging multiple points along the value chain is highly desired
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Project leadership experience preferred including short-term and long-term project planning and participation on cross-functional teams
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team member with both internal and external partners
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20%, mainly within Europe

Why choose Eastman?

It’s about growth and your long-term success. At Eastman, your career path can take many routes—each offering growth opportunities, competitive salary and benefits, and a globally growing work environment. Eastman fosters a culture of diversity steeped in teamwork and employee involvement, a place where dedicated individuals turn great ideas into materials that make a difference in everyday life. We support and encourage one another and believe that leveraging diversity in our thoughts and experiences allows us to excel in business.