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.

The Scientist has the primary responsibility for conducting research tasks coordinated by more experienced scientists and managers. This position 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 water based and solvent based adhesives, sealants, and coatings for Building Adhesive Solutions (BAS) including thermal insulation, HVAC, water proofing, and general construction.

Primary Responsibilities

Research, development and technical service activities.

Developing solvent based and water-based coatings, adhesives and sealants for the BAS division. 

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

Carrying out experiments to improve upon or to duplicate materials and substances and engaging in research to identify new processing or production methods.

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 1 year of professional, industry experience OR Masters Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Demonstrated ability to complete basic projects independently

Demonstrated understanding and application of business basics, including value propositions

Good Communication Skills, Collaborative Style, Coachable and bias for action

Responsive to change and adapts quickly to changing circumstances

Individually responsible for results and engages in activities and experiences that strengthen contribution to the organization

Model collaboration and commitment, focuses on team success before individual success

Focus on customers, creates an experience for customers and provides exceptional value and service

Demonstrates operational excellence and continually looks for new and better ways to get things done and shows functional and technical proficiency in work

Demonstrates effective self-management, seeks to understand and act upon improvement opportunities

Preferred Requirements

Strong background in compounding water based and solvent based coatings, adhesives and sealants and knowledge of fire resistive technology

Knowledge of application methods for coatings and adhesives including conventional and airless spray equipment, brush and trowel

Knowledge of the manufacturing equipment and requirements to produce water-based technologies and combustible and flammable solvent-based products

Familiarity with ASTM Test methods for construction sealants

Knowledge of general construction concepts

PC skills - Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

Familiarity with Stage Gate and/or Lean Six Sigma

Ability to utilize basic project management concepts

Some supervisory experience prioritizing and assigning work

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

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.