Dye Chemist/Colour Application Specialist

Full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark

About Octarine

We are a world-leading synthetic biology platform with a core mission to harness nature to drive bio-based, low-impact solutions to address the most pressing planetary issues through innovation & exploration. Founded in 2018, based on foundational research conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at The University of Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability at The Technical University of Denmark, and driven by a responsible future where these pressing issues are met with transformative solutions. Grounded in a robust scientific foundation and unrivalled expertise in cell factory engineering, precision fermentation and enzymatic enhancement, we proudly unveil world-leading synthetic biology platforms, poised to transform entire industries for the betterment of society and the planet. We’re inspired by nature to protect nature.

We are a fast-growing, science-driven company developing cutting-edge bio-based pigments and colorants for a wide range of applications, including textile dyes, printing inks, coatings, and cosmetics. Our mission is to replace petroleum-derived colorants with sustainable, high-performance alternatives, harnessing biotechnology to redefine the colour industry.

Job description

Octarine has developed manufacturing processes for a unique class of bio-based pigments and has demonstrated their effectiveness in a wide range of colourant applications. As we head towards commercialization of these pigments we’re looking for a Dye Chemist or Colour Application Specialist to join our R&D and application development team. You will play a key role in formulating, testing, and optimizing our bio-based pigments for end-use applications, with a focus on textile dyeing, ink formulations, paints and coatings and other industrial uses.

This is a hands-on, cross-functional role requiring deep knowledge of dye chemistry, colour science, and application techniques. You will collaborate with Octarine R&D Scientists, product experts, external collaborators and customers to develop use-cases for our pigments across a range of applications and optimize and enhance their performance to meet or exceed industry benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Develop and optimize formulations of bio-based pigments for textile, ink, paints and coatings, and other application systems

·       Investigate formulations, additives, and process designs which improve product performance towards commercial benchmarks

·       Evaluate colour fastness, hue, intensity, and compatibility with various substrates and processing conditions.

·       Design and run application trials using industry-relevant equipment (e.g., dyeing machines, printers, coating lines).

·       Work with customers and internal teams to solve technical challenges in colour performance and application.

·       Develop application notes and work with external partners to translate, validate and implement colouration processes at commercial scale

·       Maintain detailed documentation of experiments, formulations, and analytical results.

·       Contribute to scaling and commercialization of pigment products, including performance validation and specification development.

·       Stay current on trends and technologies in dye chemistry, sustainable coloration, and colour application techniques.

Your profile

There are no formal requirements for this position, but you should be proficient in one or more of the following application areas, textile dyeing, inks, printing, paints and coatings. You should also be able to meet as many of the following requirements as possible

·       Degree in Chemistry, Colour Science, Textile Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field with solid theoretical understanding of colouration chemistry

·       Experience in dye formulation, pigment application, textile dyeing, or ink formulation.

·       Hands-on experience with colour measurement (e.g., spectrophotometry), fastness testing, and formulation techniques.

·       Knowledge of dye-fiber interactions (natural and synthetic), printing systems, or coating processes

·       Knowledge and practical experience improving colour performance and fastness through a variety of techniques and strategies

·       Impeccably well organised and able to work across different projects with different unit operations

·       Strong analytical and creative skills with an ability to solve complex problems with innovative solutions

·       Excellent communicator with an ability to work efficiently in cross-functional teams

·       Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary R&D environment.

·       Thrive in a fast-paced environment, able to meet tight-deadlines and adapt quickly to operational changes

Why work with us?

Octarine is located in the centre of one of Europe’s most liveable cities, in a country world-renowned for its exceptionally high quality of life and work/life balance. As a synthetic biology scale-up, Octarine team members have a high degree of autonomy, and their decisions and daily work have a direct and measurable impact on the success of the company. Work life at Octarine is highly diverse and ever-changing, team members are called on to assist the company in a wide range of areas and are constantly challenged with new and exciting scientific problems. Octarine has a core interest in developing solutions to big societal problems and works with molecules at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge, we therefore look for people who are excited and inspired to help change the world for the better. Working at Octarine gives you a unique opportunity to uncover the full potential of these ground-breaking pigments and to see how your scientific research leads to tangible real-world solutions. 

If this sounds like you and you’re excited to join our team, please apply ASAP! Applicants will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Please include at least a paragraph in your application (either as part of the CV or as a cover letter) with a brief explanation of how your background meets the requirements for the job. Feel free to contact Octarine’s CSO Nick Milne (nickmilne@octarinebio.com) with any questions or queries about the job posting.