Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company employs approximately 30,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2018 were $7.2 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Avery Dennison is looking for a dynamic individual with experience in low surface energy materials chemistry particularly, Silicones, as relevant to release coatings.  The position will be with the Materials Science and Characterization (MSC) Group, which primarily supports R&D activities at Avery Dennison’s Mentor, OH location, chartered to support and resolve technical problems from long term projects to urgent manufacturing and quality issues stemming from across Avery Dennison’s global operations. The position will involve the use of deep scientific understanding of silicone and other release approaches, ability to construct and execute targeted experiments to identify new paradigms within bonding/debonding mechanics and guide rational design of release systems that afford all the requisite performance of pressure sensitive laminates. Astute problem solving will require surfacing chemical/laminate structure-process-property principles leveraging materials chemistry, adhesion science and surface/interface/rheological physics. Ultimate aspirational guide will be to develop reliable predictive models that tie performance properties and their modulation to process and chemistry parameters.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Guide the rational design of silicone material formulations to target specific release performance and properties. Utilize deep fundamental understanding to guide highly practical actionable translating to maintaining Avery Dennison’s competitive edge by delivering compelling products.

• Connect using sound scientific fundamentals, molecular - polymeric architecture and molecular weight - network level drivers modulating release behavior (polymer chemistry, architecture, crosslinking chemistry, controlled release additives etc.).

• Interpret data, write technical reports, and communicate analytical results with MSC and divisional scientists and production engineers in a high-quality, professional, and timely manner.

• Adeptly troubleshoot production issues and internalize silicone curing and optimization of coater assets.

• Conceive, create and refine towards novel release systems e.g. non-silicone, hybrids, more efficient catalysts, additives etc. and effectively help fortify Avery Dennison’s proprietary position.

• Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory and pilot plant safety audits.

• Ph.D in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years direct experience in silicone release systems

• Demonstrated ability (peer reviewed publications and patents) and expertise in the area of formulating silicone release systems from fundamental principles rooted in polymer structure and chemistry with specific end performance criteria

• Strong preference given to individuals conversant with synthesis and analytical techniques to study release surfaces and interfaces and multiple scientific disciplines (polymer and adhesion physics, interfacial science) and translating results to production assets.

• Keen understanding of various systems such as solvent, solventless, UV, thermal, emulsions, etc. based silicone systems desirable.

• Be comfortable in spanning theory, experiments and production environments.    

• Knowledge of polymers/coatings and techniques to characterize as well as a good breadth in general, organic, and polymer chemistry principles and laboratory practices is desirable.  

• Effective written and oral communications.  

• Good computer skills and excellent record keeping. Computing skills using math packages highly desirable.

• Demonstrated ability to think critically and solve problems using the above mentioned disciplines and techniques.  

• High level of motivation, initiative, and energy.  

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.  

• Ability to interact effectively with both internal and external customers.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.