Application Development Manager

<p>Avantium is an innovation-driven pioneer in the emerging industry of renewable and sustainable chemistry. We offer unique technological solutions to reduce plastic waste, new chemical processes for the bio-based economy and R&D equipment and services to accelerate the development of new catalytic processes.</p> <p>Most of the materials and chemicals used in modern daily life – such as plastics, packaging, furniture and clothing – are based on fossil resources like oil, gas and coal. Changing this paradigm is an ambitious goal but also a promise for a better future. This is why we at Avantium work on developing practical solutions to accelerate the transition to a fossil-free world. We do this by focusing on innovative plant-based chemicals and materials as well as aiming to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) to a valuable resource for sustainable products. Avantium’s Volta Technology is a platform technology that uses electrochemistry to convert CO₂ to high value chemical building blocks and polymers.</p> <p>Avantium intends to spin out Volta Technology into a new business entity, in which Avantium will remain a shareholder. This position will form part of the new Volta Technology company and not of Avantium N.V.</p> <p>We are looking for an Application Development Manager who will be responsible for the application development of our Volta products, with a focus on PLGA, a CO2 based polymer with exceptional technical performance that will be applied in the packaging industry. The Application Development Manager will report to the Chief Product Officer.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <p>The key objective of the Application Development Manager is to manage application development programs that support the develop, scale-up and commercialization of the Volta Technology.</p> <p>To achieve this, you will:</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with customers and internal and external R&D laboratories</li> <li>Maintain and grow a network of partner labs and manage outsourced projects for application & product development</li> <li>Serve as technical interface between the customer and our Business Development during sample validation phase, and oversee and attend trials at customers</li> <li>Develop application development reports/ brochures ensuring scientific excellence and clarity, with an emphasis on translating the implications to business purposes.</li> <li>Maintain a knowledge base of competitive position industrial practices & standards for PLGA in the target application areas, thereby developing the (technical part of the) customer business case with Business Development in all markets of interest.</li> <li>Conceptualize and initiate product development projects with (external) partners based on customer needs and feedback</li> <li>Be responsible for activities related to all technical product compliance, statements, and registrations (regulatory affairs) together with the support from regulatory and business development colleagues.</li> <li>Support the business unit in grant applications and execution of awarded projects.</li> <li>Represent Avantium at conferences: build relationships with external contacts and lead generation: scout opportunities for meaningful partnerships from an application development perspective.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What do you bring?</strong></p> <p>You have:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelors, Master’s or PhD degree in chemistry/polymer/engineering, or in general (applied) - science</li> <li>At least 5 years of relevant work experience</li> <li>Experience in application development or technical sales in polymer film/sheet extrusion, paper coating, plastic packagin