R&D Chemist POST NUMBER: 484667

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an R&D Chemist to support product innovation and formulation development within a laboratory environment. This position will focus on researching, developing, and optimizing adhesive technologies while collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring new products from concept through commercialization.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on formulation experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently manage technical projects. Product areas may include solvent-based adhesives, waterborne adhesive systems, hot melt technologies, and related polymer-based formulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize adhesive formulations to meet customer, regulatory, and performance requirements.
• Lead laboratory research activities for new product development and product improvement initiatives.
• Conduct raw material evaluations, competitive product benchmarking, and performance testing.
• Prepare laboratory samples and support color matching and formulation adjustments as needed.
• Document experimental work, analyze results, and maintain accurate technical records.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support product scale-up, process improvements, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Serve as the technical resource for assigned product lines and provide guidance on formulation-related matters.
• Partner with Quality Control teams on product testing, specifications, and quality-related investigations.
• Assist with customer inquiries, product performance concerns, and technical support requests.
• Work closely with project management and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed efficiently and aligned with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in formulation, product development, or laboratory-based research.
• Experience with adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, or related chemical products is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of formulation development, testing methodologies, and experimental design.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communicator capable of presenting technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and a results-oriented approach.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.