Avery Dennison

Research & Development Specialist

Avery Dennison$70K — $95K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in polymer design, synthesis, and scale-up.
  • 2+ years in commercial product development, particularly in acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives.
  • Familiarity with pressure-sensitive adhesives in the label industry is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of statistical design of experiments and strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven time management abilities with the capacity to juggle multiple projects.

Responsibilities

  • Scout and evaluate new raw materials for polymer development.
  • Establish and maintain communication with internal research teams.
  • Synthesize and formulate adhesives and coatings on the benchtop.
  • Guide the transition of formulations from lab to production scale.
  • Collaborate with commercial product managers to align on market needs and project goals.
  • Serve as a technical resource for internal coating plants during trials.
  • Design and implement experimental plans and report findings effectively.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunity to mentor and lead in laboratory settings.
  • Access to emerging technologies and innovative materials.
  • Travel opportunities for hands-on production trials and customer discovery.
Full Job Description
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

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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