Research & Development Specialist

Job Description

The qualified candidate will be a hands-on R&D Chemist to drive the benchtop synthesis and formulation of next-generation adhesives and coatings for our Label and Graphic Materials (LGM) business. Based at our Mill Hall facility, this role is primarily focused on laboratory-scale polymer development while overseeing the critical transition of these formulations through pilot and full production scale-up.

In this role, you will actively participate in formal new product development and cost-out projects supporting an internal customer base consisting of our commercial PLT, our R&D leadership and downstream coating operations.  You will translate commercial strategies into real-world technical solutions while ensuring those solutions align with manufacturing and cost constraints.  

You will also collaborate with other technology/research teams and business units - keeping current on new/emerging technologies. Additionally, you will be a key catalyst for pipeline innovation - proactively scouting new raw materials and generating a robust, continuous stream of new ideas for novel polymer development and high-impact cost-out initiatives.

Representative Activities:

• Pipeline Ideation: Proactively scout new raw materials and chemical technologies to build a robust pipeline of novel polymer concepts and high-impact cost-out ideas.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Establish strong, proactive communication channels and drive close alignment with other internal research groups, specifically the Advanced Materials Science (AMS) team. Actively monitor foundational research across the enterprise to seamlessly integrate and translate other technology platforms into commercial LGM products.

• Bench Development: Synthesize, formulate, and iterate new adhesives and coatings directly on the laboratory benchtop using fundamental adhesion principles.

• Scale-Up Oversight: Lead the technical transition of new formulations from benchtop concepts through pilot-scale and full production runs.

• Commercial & PLT Alignment: Partner closely with commercial product managers and Product Line Teams (PLT) to understand market needs, define product requirements, and align laboratory projects with broader business growth strategies.

• Downstream Operations Support: Serve as the primary technical resource for internal coating plants, understanding their equipment capabilities to support seamless concept development, production trials and troubleshooting during product launch.

• DoE & Technical Reporting: Design robust experimental plans (DoE), manage laboratory testing, interpret analytical data, and author clear technical reports and presentations for project teams and internal stakeholders.

• Trial Execution & Travel: Translate product requirements into actionable work plans and travel up to 20% for production trials, customer discovery, and cross-site collaboration.

• Lab Partnership: Scope, define, and delegate daily testing protocols and project tasks to the Applications Laboratory staff. Work to mentor peers in the lab to help transfer knowledge.

• Safety Excellence: Maintain a strict, proactive commitment to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards across both laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum BS/MS in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field, with at least 3 years experience in polymer design, synthesis, formulating and scale-up. 

• 2+ years of experience in commercial product development – particularly in the acrylic pressure sensitive industry including high speed coating and drying a plus.   

• 2+ years of Experience in the application of pressure sensitive adhesives in the label industry is highly desired.

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of statistical design of experiments.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal & written communication skills.

• Well-developed time management skills with the ability to balance and/or lead multiple projects simultaneously.

• Consistent track record of effective team member roles on multi-functional teams comprised of R&D, Operations, Legal, and Commercial/Customer personnel.

• Ability to foster creativity/innovation while ensuring project progress and lab efficiency

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, Avery Dennison requires all final candidates to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a drug screening. These checks are conducted post-offer and are a condition of employment. All results will be considered in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. 

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