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 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 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.

H.B. Fuller Construction Adhesives provides technologically advanced solutions to the commercial, industrial and residential construction industry. The company’s recognized and trusted brands are available through an extensive network of distributors and dealers, as well as home improvement retailers.

The Scientist has primary responsibility for conducting research tasks coordinated by more experienced scientists and managers. In general, a Scientist conducts laboratory bench work tasks, physical testing and supports QA and Operations in trouble shooting manufacturing issues. This position is responsible for product development, cost saving initiatives, and production support. This person will be dealing primarily with moisture curing one-part and solvent free two-part technologies for adhesives, sealants, and coatings for the North America Construction Adhesives business. This includes building envelope, flooring, DIY, and other construction applications.

Primary Responsibilities

This individual is involved in a variety of research, development, and technical service activities, including: 

• Developing adhesives and sealants for the North America Construction Adhesives business, primarily based on moisture curing one-part and solvent free two-part technologies

• Conducting and analyzing experiments on organic and inorganic substances to determine and evaluate their chemical and physical properties and to investigate their applications to the industry

• Carrying out experiments to improve formulations and engage in research to identify new methods of processing or production

• Applying and interpreting standard scientific theories, concepts, and techniques

• Completing basic projects independently, drawing conclusions with guidance, and reproducing and articulating results and their meaning, including business impact

• Supporting product or process demonstrations

• Identifying and developing solutions to problems where causal relationships can be identified, and some precedence may exist

• Documenting test results and making process improvement recommendations.

• Documenting project updates and executing projects using project management methodologies

• Fulfilling responsibilities as required by the Quality System for the site/business unit.

• Working in a safe and efficient manner

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and 3 years of professional industry experience in chemical formulation OR master’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and 1+ years of professional industry experience in chemical formulation

• Knowledge of general construction concepts

• PC skills - Microsoft Office applications

• Strong background in compounding moisture curing one-part and solvent free two-part technologies adhesives, and sealants.

• Knowledge of the manufacturing equipment and requirements to produce moisture curing one-part and solvent free two-part technologies

• Demonstrated experience prioritizing work assignments in a dynamic project environment

• Ability to solve technical problems and recommend solutions

• Ability to interpret data and develop reports

• Ability to communicate with co-workers to provide and receive direction

• Demonstrated ability to complete basic projects independently

• Demonstrated understanding and application of business basics, including value propositions

• Ability to lift 50 pounds and ability to bend, carry, push and pull items

• Ability to travel up to 15%

Preferred Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to develop test plans based on industry standards, with familiarity of ASTM Test methods for construction sealants considered an asset

• Familiarity with Stage Gate and/or Lean Six Sigma

• Ability to utilize basic project management concepts

• Experience with produce scale up, resolving quality issues in a production environment and providing technical support to sales

• Knowledge of fire resistive technology and test methods

• SAP experience

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require H.B. Fuller sponsorship of a work visa to work for H.B. Fuller.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $75,000 - $90,000.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

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.