R&D Technical Specialist - Mill Hall, PA
About The Position
Avery Dennison is seeking a hands-on R&D Chemist for its Label and Graphic Materials business at its Mill Hall facility. The role focuses on laboratory-scale polymer development, including benchtop synthesis and formulation of next-generation adhesives and coatings, and oversees transition of formulations through pilot and full production scale-up. The specialist participates in formal new product development and cost-out projects for internal commercial, R&D, and coating-operations stakeholders. The role translates commercial strategies and product requirements into technical solutions that meet manufacturing and cost constraints. It also collaborates with technology and research teams and business units, keeps current with emerging technologies, scouts raw materials, and contributes ideas for polymer innovation and cost-out initiatives. Travel of up to 25% may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree 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, formulation methods, and design to technical projects supporting LGM-NA growth and cost-out goals.
- Serve as technical leader on cross-functional project teams developing and promoting adhesives and coatings for target products and applications.
- Lead experimental design, oversee testing, interpret data, and prepare technical reports for internal team members and stakeholders.
- Translate new product requirements into actionable work plans.
- Help project teams scope 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, stay current on emerging technologies, and scout new raw materials and ideas for polymer development and cost-out initiatives.
Benefits
- Health and wellness benefits starting on the first day of employment.
- Paid parental leave.
- 401(k) eligibility.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee Assistance Program eligibility and Health Advocate.
- Paid vacation and paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
