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.

H.B. Fuller is seeking a Scientist to join our R&D team in Michigan Center, MI, focusing on developing adhesive and primer formulations to enhance our construction adhesive product and technology portfolio. As a technical individual contributor, the successful candidate will collaborate with our R&D team on both near and long-term projects to ensure timely milestone deliverables. Responsibilities include lab-batch formulation preparation, testing setup, raw material scouting, participation in new product scale-up, and maintaining/developing business relationships with key customers.

Primary Responsibilities

Design and prepare lab batch formulations for adhesion tests and application.

Develop plans for research projects or product development programs with oversight from supervisor

Collaborate with peers and support development across the business functions.

Conduct and maintain analytical equipment.

Present technical updates at internal team meetings.

Collaborate with a global, multifunctional team in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of adhesive products for key markets.

Develop intellectual property protection for inventions.

Utilize H.B. Fuller’s digital tools such as SAP, Planview, and Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) to document and update research progress.

Travel to H.B. Fuller plants and regional labs as needed - up to 10%.

Minimum Requirements

B.A. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

1+ year of R&D lab experience.

Ability to apply relevant scientific principles, theories, procedures, or techniques with strong analytical thinking.

Ability to develop work plans for research projects or product development programs under the supervision.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

Independent, motivated, organized, and resourceful with excellent communication skills to work effectively within a team.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and software for analysis.

Ability to travel up to 10%.

Preferred Requirements

Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

3+ years of R&D lab experience, preferably in water-borne or solvent-borne chemistry/formulations for adhesives, sealants, coatings, or paints.

Expertise in polymer chemistry, characterization, applications, testing, and/or processing for structure-property relationships.

Knowledge of raw materials used in chemical product development, ability to qualify alternatives, and understanding of the impact of raw materials on formulas outside the core area.

Experience working with customers on complaints and quality notification processes.

Hands-on experience with analytical tools and adhesive application/testing equipment.

Familiarity with SAP and ELN systems.

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.

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.