R&D Plant Scientist

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

Position Overview

This is a laboratory bench position responsible for supporting research and product development activities. The role involves executing experiments, analyzing results, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to the development and improvement of chemical products. The individual will work under the guidance of a supervisor while progressively building technical expertise and independence.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory experiments and complete simple projects independently, including analysis and interpretation of results
• Present technical information and findings at internal team meetings
• Develop knowledge of raw materials used in chemical product formulations and evaluate alternative materials within the core area
• Understand and assess the impact of raw materials on formulations beyond the primary area of focus
• Maintain knowledge of product applications and associated equipment
• Apply basic quality tools and continuously develop proficiency in their use
• Utilize SAP to enter and manage formulas and related data
• Support investigation and understanding of customer complaints and quality notifications (QNs)
• Assist in developing research project plans or product development programs under supervisor guidance
• Proactively collaborate with peers to support idea generation, development, and testing
• Document experimental data in alignment with intellectual property (IP) requirements, including patents and trade secrets
• Visit manufacturing plants and/or regional laboratories as needed

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field with 1 year of experience; OR
• Master’s degree (M.S.) in a relevant field with no prior experience

Preferred Requirements

• Prior laboratory or research experience in chemical product development
• Familiarity with SAP or similar systems
• Exposure to quality systems and tools
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills
• Basic understanding of intellectual property processes

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.