Avery Dennison

Principal Scientist - Polymer Rheology

Avery Dennison$100K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of industrial experience in polymer rheology and soft materials characterization.
  • Demonstrated experience in rheological characterization of viscoelastic materials such as polymers and adhesives.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with rheometry and thermal analysis techniques.
  • Proven capability to solve complex technical problems through structure-process-property principles.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the global expert in polymer rheology and processing.
  • Lead the Rheology and Thermal Characterization Laboratory, setting technical priorities and ensuring impactful results.
  • Mentor and develop scientific staff while fostering a culture of technical excellence.
  • Develop innovative approaches to predict material behavior under complex conditions.
  • Lead investigations into the rheological behavior of various soft material systems.
  • Connect mechanical response to polymer composition, molecular weight, and properties.
  • Drive the evolution of characterization capabilities by implementing emerging analytical techniques.
  • Oversee lab operations to ensure safe and effective execution of research.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead and innovate in a high-impact scientific role.
  • Collaborative environment working with global teams and cross-functional partners.
  • Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge research and analytical methods.
  • Commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Avery Dennison is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to provide technical leadership in Polymer Rheology and Processing within the Global Materials Science and Characterization (MSC) organization. This role combines deep scientific expertise, laboratory leadership and organizational capability building to advance the understanding of complex polymeric systems and accelerate innovation across Avery Dennison's global businesses.

The successful candidate will be recognized as a subject matter expert in polymer rheology, viscoelasticity, soft materials, polymer processing, with a proven ability to translate fundamental science into practical solutions for product development, manufacturing, quality and customer challenges. Working across pressure-sensitive adhesives, functional films, coatings and laminates, this individual will leverage structure-property-process relationships to solve critical technical problems, create new characterization approaches, and drive innovation.

In addition to technical excellence, this role requires a mature scientific leader who can mentor and develop scientists and technicians, guide technical priorities, strengthen organizational capabilities, and foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration and continuous learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as the global subject matter expert in polymer rheology, viscoelasticity and polymer processing
  • Lead the Rheology and Thermal Characterization Laboratory, establishing technical priorities and ensuring delivery of high-quality, impactful results aligned with business needs.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop scientists, engineers and technicians while fostering technical excellence and capability growth across the organization.
  • Conceive, develop and execute innovative experimental approaches to understand and predict material behavior under complex thermal, mechanical, chemical and processing conditions.
  • Lead experimental investigations into rheological and thermal behavior of adhesives (including emulsion, hot melts, rubbers, suspension, solvent), coatings, films, and related soft material systems and laminates.
  • Expertly connect mechanical response and processing behavior to the polymer composition, molecular weight and its distribution, architecture, network topology and fundamental properties using polymer physics scaling laws.
  • Evolve holistic sum total interpretation and guidance along with other analytical methods and subject matter experts.
  • Partner closely with R&D, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality and Operations teams globally to solve critical technical challenges and enable successful commercialization.
  • Drive the evolution of characterization capabilities through the identification, evaluation, and implementation of emerging analytical techniques and methodologies including custom purpose-built instrumentation to study a given phenomenon.
  • Oversee laboratory operations, instrumentation, budgets, and technical resources to ensure safe, efficient, and effective execution.
  • Communicate technical findings effectively through reports, presentations, publications, and technical reviews with internal and external stakeholders. Work in a manner to institutionalize knowledge through the development and curation of model-ready databases in support of the overall R&D digitalization strategy.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and scientific integrity.


Qualifications
  • Ph.D in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of industrial experience in polymer rheology, soft materials characterization, polymer processing or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in rheological characterization of polymer melts, solutions, dispersions, adhesives and other viscoelastic soft materials.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with rotational, capillary and extensional rheometry, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA and related characterization techniques.
  • Proven ability to solve complex technical problems through the application of structure-process-property principles.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience leading, mentoring, or developing scientists, engineers, and technical staff in an industrial R&D or analytical sciences environment.
  • Expertise applying rheology to guide polymer synthesis, adhesive development, extrusion, coating, converting, or high-speed web processing operations.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific leadership through publications, patents, conference presentations, or significant business impact.
  • Experience building laboratory capabilities, implementing new methodologies, and driving strategic technical initiatives.
  • Ability to operate effectively across fundamental science, product development, and manufacturing environments.
  • Experience in working within global cross-functional teams.
  • Less than 15% travel anticipated for this role.


Additional Information

Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPkhKzwYzMg

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison Corporation (Avery Dennison), is engaged in the production of pressure-sensitive materials, and a variety of tickets, tags, labels other converted products, and office and consumer products through embossing, printing, stamping and die-cutting. The Company operates in two segments: Pressure-sensitive Materials and Retail Branding and Information Solutions. In addition to its reportable segments, the Company has other specialty converting businesses comprised of Vancive Medical Technologies (Vancive) and Designed and Engineered Solutions (DES). Some are sold by the Company in converted form as printable media, tapes and reflective sheeting. In July 2013, Avery Dennison Corp completed the sale of its Office and Consumer Products and Designed and Engineered Solutions businesses to CCL Industries Inc.

Avery Dennison Careers

Join the vibrant team at Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and manufacturing, where innovation and leadership drive us forward. This is an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a company that thrives on diversity, professional growth, and cutting-edge technology. Work You’ll Do At Avery Dennison, we offer job opportunities that allow you to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our team is dedicated to excellence and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Engage in work that transforms industries and enhances everyday lives through our innovative products. Lead in a Unique Market Position Avery Dennison stands at the forefront of material science, providing you with a unique position in the marketplace. Here, you can lead projects that merge technology, sustainability, and creative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our global clients. Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard. With over 30,000 dedicated professionals worldwide, Avery Dennison is where you can connect with a global network, enhancing your professional and personal growth. Innovative Work Environment Dive into a role where innovation is at the core of everything we do. Avery Dennison is committed to maintaining a culture of continuous improvement and cutting-edge solutions that anticipate market needs. Career Development and Benefits Avery Dennison is committed to the professional development of its employees. We support your career journey with extensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and a commitment to promoting from within. Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your lifestyle and well-being, from health to educational assistance, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling career path. Internship Programs Start your career with Avery Dennison’s internship programs. Gain invaluable industry experience, develop essential skills, and build your professional network. Our internships provide a robust foundation in our core business areas and foster a pathway to full-time employment. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking to advance your career or start a new chapter, Avery Dennison offers a range of positions across various functions. From engineering to marketing, our team is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for innovative, team-oriented, and solution-driven individuals. Explore the opportunities to take your career to the next level at Avery Dennison. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the people who work here. Avery Dennison is a place where your career can flourish, surrounded by supportive peers and forward-thinking leaders. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities waiting for you at Avery Dennison. Avery Dennison is not just a workplace—it’s a terrain where your career aspirations become achievements. Join us in making a meaningful impact on society and your professional life.
Learn more about Avery Dennison
Size
36,000 employees
Market Cap
$14.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$555.9 million
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+6.7%
Revenue
$6.9 billion
NASDAQ

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