Associate Packaging Materials Specialist

As an Associate Packaging Materials Specialist, you will support the development, scale-up, and industrialization of novel materials and packaging structures for food and beverage applications (flexible and rigid). You will contribute to projects aimed at delivering high-performance, consumer-centric, sustainable packaging solutions (e.g., fiber-based materials, polymer and bio-based structures, coatings/adhesives, laminates, and barrier layers). This includes developing material solutions that meet food safety and shelf-life expectations while securing intellectual property through lab validation, pilot converting trials, and industrial-scale validation. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners (packaging R&D;, suppliers and converters, product technology, factories, quality, and regulatory) to translate packaging needs into material requirements and robust technical specifications. Lead and execute research projects as an associate packaging materials specialist (with focus on novel packaging materials and structures). Manage the scale-up and industrial validation of novel material structures (lab → pilot → industrial trials). Support packaging material converting and manufacturability by planning and executing trials with internal/external partners (e.g., coating, lamination, extrusion, printing, forming) and translating learnings into improved material designs and specifications. Support the development of barrier solutions (e.g., coatings, barrier layers, laminates/adhesives) for feasible food and beverage applications across fiber-based, polymer, and hybrid structures. Stay up to date with recyclability regulations and circularity assessment frameworks, and ensure alignment of developed material structures with relevant requirements and internal protocols. Translate packaging performance needs into material requirements and execute characterization and test plans (e.g., barrier, sealability, mechanical performance, aging/shelf-life-relevant testing). Develop and maintain expertise, including impactful publications and communications. Contribute to intellectual property (e.g., invention disclosures/patents) in the area of novel packaging materials and structures.

Welcome to Nestlé Research, a global organization, with most of our passionate team located in Lausanne, Switzerland! Our work is powered by five specialized Nestlé Institutes and key strategic units. Here, we embrace fresh thinking and collaborate to create amazing solutions. At Nestlé Research, we place people at the core of everything we do, driven by a passion for innovation that inspires us to embrace change. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of science allows us to make a meaningful impact on our world, fostering a culture of creativity and growth. Join us in our mission to inspire people and ignite innovation as we work together to shape a better future.

• MSc and/or PhD in materials science/engineering, polymer science, paper engineering, or a related field, ideally with exposure to food and beverage packaging

• Proven experience in R&D; and/or technical development in packaging materials (e.g., fiber-based, polymers/bio-based, coatings/adhesives, barrier layers, laminates), including lab work and structured experimentation

• Familiarity with packaging material converting/manufacturing processes and the ability to incorporate manufacturability constraints into material/structure design (experience with converters is a plus)

• Awareness of food-contact constraints and product safety/quality expectations, with the ability to work effectively with regulatory and quality teams to ensure compliant solutions

• Ability to collaborate effectively with external partners (e.g., suppliers, converters, academic/industry networks) contribute to strategic thinking and demonstrate digital agility

• Passionate about innovation with a strong work ethic and integrity

• Ability to foster a climate for innovation, renovation, and knowledge sharing

• Focused on translating and implementing scientific concepts into business solutions

• Proficiency in English