Scientist – Research and Development (Wood Science)

Bakelite•Decatur, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the Application Services Team by preparing, testing, and evaluating engineered wood composites, resin technologies, and related materials. The position requires strong attention to detail, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively and safely in a technical environment. The associate will help shape the future of the company by contributing to the next generation of products and will be part of a diverse, global population. The company champions its associates through continued learning and development, focusing on opportunities that grow profitability and protect the planet. Safety is a core value, and the company cares about its associates, offering competitive compensation, robust benefits, and career support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in wood science, materials science, chemistry, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related technical experience.
Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in safe use of hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, and related mechanical or fabrication equipment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.
Regularly use hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, measuring devices, clamps, and related fabrication or testing equipment in a safe and controlled manner.
Perform work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.
Stand, walk, bend, reach, grip, push, pull, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods while preparing samples, operating equipment, and conducting testing.
Lift, carry, move, and position materials, tools, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, gloves, lab coat or protective clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hard hat, and safety footwear, as required by task or work area.
Follow all EHS procedures, equipment operating instructions, chemical handling requirements, and job-specific safety training while performing duties.
Unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience preparing, testing, and evaluating wood composites, engineered wood products, resins, adhesives, or related composite materials.
Experience following laboratory procedures, documenting test results, maintaining equipment, and supporting safe lab or pilot-scale operations.
Experience analyzing test data, organizing large data sets, and applying basic statistical methods to support technical conclusions.
Familiarity with mechanical, physical, or chemical testing methods used to evaluate material performance.

Responsibilities

Prepare prototypes of engineered wood composites and other composite materials with R&D resin technologies for the purpose of performance testing and characterization.
Conduct physical, mechanical, and chemical evaluation of prototypes and commercial-grade samples, including evaluation of internal bond strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling, water absorption, and emissions. For other composite prototypes, testing may include glass mat handsheets, tear testing, tensile testing, crush testing, and fire testing.
Record and interpret data.
Prepare technical reports and communicate results to R&D teams and customers.
Work collaboratively in a team setting to solve problems and drive innovation.
Communicate effectively through verbal and written updates, reports, and presentations.
Plan and manage multiple priorities to complete projects and meet deadlines.
Travel to customer sites to support trials, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical assistance.