R&D Technical Specialist

Avery Dennison • Mill Hall, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Avery Dennison is hiring a hands-on R&D Chemist for its Label and Graphic Materials business, based at its Mill Hall facility. The role focuses on laboratory-scale synthesis and formulation of adhesives and coatings, especially polymer development, and on transitioning formulations through pilot and full production scale-up. The specialist will contribute to formal new product development and cost-out projects for commercial, R&D, and downstream coating operations, translating commercial strategies into technical solutions that meet manufacturing and cost constraints.

The role also involves collaboration with other research and technology teams and business units, monitoring emerging technologies, scouting raw materials, and developing ideas for novel polymers and cost-out initiatives. The specialist will lead technical project work, plan and interpret experiments, communicate results, and support the development and promotion of adhesives and coatings for target products and applications. 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 involving 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 to technical projects supporting LGM-NA growth and cost-out goals.
• Act as technical leader on cross-functional project teams developing and promoting adhesives and coatings for target products and applications.
• Develop experimental designs, oversee testing, interpret data, and prepare technical reports for internal teams 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, conduct experimental trials, and collaborate with teams; travel may be up to 25%.
• Define projects for other Applications Laboratory staff.
• Work safely.
• Scout new raw materials and generate ideas for novel polymer development and cost-out initiatives.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits starting on day one of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility and Health Advocate
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior