R&D Technical Specialist
About The Position
The R&D Technical Specialist is a hands-on R&D Chemist responsible for benchtop synthesis and formulation of next-generation adhesives and coatings for Avery Dennison’s Label and Graphic Materials business. Based at the Mill Hall facility, the role focuses primarily on laboratory-scale polymer development and oversees the transition of formulations through pilot and full production scale-up. The position contributes to formal new product development and cost-out projects for internal customers, including commercial teams, R&D leadership, and downstream coating operations. It translates commercial strategies and product requirements into technical solutions that meet manufacturing and cost constraints. The role also collaborates with technology and research teams and business units, scouts raw materials and emerging technologies, and generates ideas for polymer development and cost-out initiatives. The specialist provides technical leadership on project teams, develops experimental designs, oversees testing, interprets data, and prepares reports for internal stakeholders. The position may involve travel of up to 25% to gather customer needs, conduct experimental trials, and collaborate with teams.
Requirements
- Minimum BS or MS in Chemistry or Polymer Science.
- At least 5 years of experience in polymer design, synthesis, formulation, and scale-up.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of statistical design of experiments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Well-developed time-management skills and ability to balance or lead multiple projects simultaneously.
- Track record of effective participation on multifunctional teams comprising R&D, Operations, Legal, and Commercial/Customer personnel.
- Ability to foster creativity and innovation while ensuring project progress and laboratory efficiency.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in commercial product development, particularly in the acrylic pressure-sensitive industry, including high-speed coating and drying.
- Experience applying pressure-sensitive adhesives in the label industry.
Responsibilities
- Apply scientific principles of adhesion, polymer synthesis, and formulation methods to technical projects supporting LGM-NA growth and cost-out goals.
- Act as technical leader on cross-departmental project teams developing and promoting adhesives and coatings for target products and applications.
- Lead development of experimental designs, oversee testing, interpret data, and prepare technical reports for internal team members and stakeholders.
- Translate new product requirements into actionable work plans.
- Assist project teams in scoping work plans through interaction with commercial teams and customers.
- Travel to gather customer needs, execute experimental trials, and collaborate with teams; travel may be up to 25%.
- Define projects for other Applications Laboratory staff.
- Work safely.
- Collaborate with technology and research teams and business units to stay current on new and emerging technologies.
- Scout new raw materials and generate ideas for novel polymer development and cost-out initiatives.
- Oversee the transition of formulations from laboratory development through pilot and full production scale-up.
Benefits
- Health and wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
- Paid parental leave
- 401K eligibility
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
