Packaging Material Science Specialist (recycled PET)

Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences

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Location: Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland

Institute: Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences

Company: Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Act. Rate: Full-Time Act. Rate 100%

Type of contract: 2 years contract

What we offer at Nestlé

Exciting opportunities to develop your career your way

Flexible working arrangements - facilitating creativity and collaboration.

A culture of respect, with diversity, equity and inclusion at its core.

A dynamic international environment empowering you to learn, develop and grow.

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Position Summary

As a Packaging Material Science (Associate) Specialist (recycled PET), you will be responsible for leading and supporting R&D projects focused on recycled PET and recycled polyolefin packaging materials for food contact applications.

In this role, you will manage projects across the innovation-to-launch process, ensuring packaging food safety, regulatory compliance, and alignment with business and market needs. You will own the recycled PET validation process, contribute to knowledge building in packaging material science, and provide scientific and technical guidance to R&D, operations, and markets. You will also be part of the team to investigate the food safety aspects of recycled polyolefins. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong customer and business mindset, you will help enable successful product launches and support future growth opportunities.

A Day in the Life of a Packaging Material Science (Associate) Specialist (r****ecycled PET)

• Contribute to R&D projects on recycled PET and polyolefin materials.
• Drive innovation by proposing new packaging materials, recycling technologies and food safety tests.
• Manage project documentation, timelines, and deliverables in line with quality and safety standards.
• Support R&D, operations, and markets with technical expertise on rPET implementation.
• Coordinate collaboration among food safety, material science, and packaging specialists.
• Provide technical assistance during industrialisation, product launches, and continuous improvements.
• Build and document scientific knowledge through studies, trials, and internal communications.
• Engage with internal and external partners, including suppliers, research institutes, and universities.

What Will Make You Successful

• MSc or PhD in Polymer Science, or a related scientific field with strong focus on chemistry.
• Solid experience in R&D, operations, or market-facing technical roles
• Understanding of PET and recycled plastics.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and cross-functional priorities
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the confidence to take decisions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentations
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal and networking abilities
• Fluency in English