Colour technologist

Colour technologist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Colour technologists are employed by a wide range of organisations including chemical companies, specialist consultancies and manufacturers of textiles, paper, furnishings, medical products, leather, inks, foods, plastics, toiletries, paints, cosmetics and fibres. There are also a small number of research openings within the academic sector.

Responsibilities of the job include:

• modifying and/or developing new pigments and dyes;
• producing innovative solutions that meet customer requirements;
• using reference samples to identify colour requirements;
• liaising with suppliers, customers, manufacturers and factory production managers;
• providing technical advice to design, dying, marketing and production staff;
• devising precise bulk colour reproduction processes;
• using specialist computer systems, including CAD software;
• evaluating, identifying and selecting products from suppliers;
• checking products for suitability and testing for performance under various conditions;
• controlling production and quality standards;
• ensuring colourfastness, accurate colour reproduction, stability and durability of products;
• using colour measuring equipment to ensure colour reliability in dyes and pigments;
• testing, promoting and marketing products;
• keeping up-to-date with trends and innovations within the profession.

Vacancies attract moderate competition. Jobs are advertised via the Internet, in national and local newspapers, and publications including the New Scientist, Chemistry World, International Dyer, Drapers Record, Textile Horizon and Coloration Technology.

Networking, job shadowing and speculative applications may be helpful, for which directories such as the Directory of European Dyers, Printers and Finishers and Surface Coatings International may provide useful contact information.

Qualifications and skills required

Suitable degree/HND subjects for entry into the profession include: clothing and textile technology, colour science, materials and polymer sciences, chemical engineering, physics/applied physics, chemistry, applied/analytical chemistry and manufacturing/production engineering.

A postgraduate Colour Science or Technology MSc can be helpful for graduates from other disciplines, as can experience gained via vacation work, placements and final year projects (particularly any obtained in the textiles or colour industry). A PhD may be required for research posts.

Key skills for colour technologists

Employers seek adaptable, creative candidates with good organisational, planning, team-working, technical, commercial awareness and interpersonal skills.