R&D Technical Specialist

Avery Dennison • Bald Eagle Township, PA

2h • Onsite

About The Position

Avery Dennison is seeking a hands-on R&D Chemist to develop and formulate next-generation adhesives and coatings for its Label and Graphic Materials business. Based at the Mill Hall facility, the role focuses primarily on laboratory-scale polymer development and oversees formulation transitions through pilot and full production scale-up.

The position contributes to formal new product development and cost-reduction projects for internal commercial, R&D, and downstream coating operations teams. It translates commercial strategies and product requirements into technical solutions that meet manufacturing and cost constraints. The specialist also collaborates with research teams and business units, tracks emerging technologies, scouts raw materials, and develops ideas for new polymers and cost-out initiatives. Customer and project travel may be required, up to 25%.

Requirements

• Minimum 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.
• A consistent 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.
• Experience with 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.
• 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 teams and stakeholders.
• Translate new product requirements into actionable work plans.
• Help project teams scope work 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 polymer development and cost-out initiatives.
• Oversee the transition of formulations through pilot and full production scale-up.

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 and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

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