About the Role
Octarine has developed a unique class of sustainable, bio-based pigments through advanced synthetic biology and precision fermentation. These pigments have demonstrated excellent performance across multiple colorant applications and now were ready to bring them to market.
Were seeking a full-time Formulation Chemist to lead the development and optimization of final product formulations for various applications, including (but not limited to) inks and coatings. Youll play a key role in translating breakthrough sustainable technology into commercially viable, high-performance products.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced startup environment and wants to make a tangible impact on sustainable colour technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize formulations of inks, coatings, and dispersions using our proprietary bio-based pigments.
- Evaluate pigment compatibility, stability, and performance across multiple systems (e.g., water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable).
- Conduct laboratory application testing for key performance metrics: color strength, dispersion stability, viscosity, adhesion, gloss, drying time, and durability.
- Ensure product formulations meet external performance standards (e.g., color fastness).
- Investigate how additives and auxiliaries can improve product performance.
- Collaborate with the manufacturing team to integrate formulation directly into production processes.
- Design and execute scale-up experiments for pilot or commercial manufacturing.
- Explore new application areas in collaboration with the Business Development team.
- Support external customer testing and onboarding, ensuring smooth technical transfer.
- Prepare application notes, technical data sheets, and safety data sheets for market-ready products.
- Stay up to date on sustainable materials, green chemistry, and regulatory developments in inks and coatings.
Your Profile
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
- 3+ years experience in formulating inks, dyes, paints, coatings, or dispersions.
- Deep understanding of pigments, resins, solvents, and additives, including their functional roles.
- Experience with rheology, colourimetry, and dispersion stability testing.
- Proven ability to optimize formulations to meet industrial performance standards.
- Practical experience in application testing, including textile dyeing, printing, or coating.
- Familiarity with bio-based or sustainable materials is highly desirable.
- A creative, experimental mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Independent and proactive comfortable taking ownership of development projects.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
- Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, adaptable to shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
Why Work With Us
At Octarine, you'll join a team of scientists and innovators redefining how colour is made. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, one of Europes most livable cities, we combine world-class science with a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
As a growing synthetic biology scale-up, we offer:
- A high degree of autonomy and ownership in your work.
- The chance to see your research translate directly into real-world impact.
- A diverse, fast-paced environment where every day brings new scientific challenges.
- The satisfaction of helping solve big societal problems through biotechnology and sustainability.
How to Apply
If this sounds like you and you're excited to join our team, please apply as soon as possible applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please include at least one paragraph in your CV or cover letter explaining how your background aligns with the role.
For questions, contact Nick Milne, CSO, at nickmilne@octarinebio.com.
About Octarine
Octarine is a world-leading synthetic biology platform company with a mission to harness nature to create bio-based, low-impact solutions addressing some of the planets most pressing challenges.
Founded in 2018 from research at the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark, Octarine combines expertise in cell factory engineering, precision fermentation, and enzymatic enhancement to deliver sustainable, high-performance products.
We are developing bio-based pigments and colorants for applications across textiles, printing inks, coatings, and cosmetics, replacing petroleum-derived colorants with sustainable, next-generation alternatives.
At Octarine, were inspired by nature to protect nature.
