Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products and solutions, 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. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401K eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Job Description

Avery Dennison is looking for an analytical chemist with experience in surface science techniques and demonstrated strength particularly in AFM, XPS and microscopy. 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 provide fundamental mechanistic understanding and predictive insights into materials and processes with an emphasis on polymeric materials, materials engineering, advanced materials characterization support and resolve technical problems from long term projects to urgent manufacturing and quality issues stemming from across Avery Dennison’s global operations. Astute problem solving by expertly “hyphenating” sound materials characterization to driving insights and applications along with pertinent data analytics (e.g. Chemometrics) are most preferable traits we are seeking.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct analyses using Surface Science techniques (AFM, AFM-IR, XPS, SEM, XRF, profilometry, CLSM, Contact angle etc.) to solve challenging problems in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and engineering that are important to Avery Dennison. The main focus will be to characterize and investigate polymeric materials within a highly multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.
• Be the subject matter expert in surface science and microscopy techniques as it relates to soft matter films including adhesives, multi-layered films and laminates, phase separated and nanocomposite, topcoats, static and dynamic contact angle and surface energy determination.
• Interpret data, write technical reports, maintain careful documentation LIMS/ELN and communicate analytical results with MSC and divisional scientists in a high-quality, professional, and timely manner.
• Develop and validate standard operating procedures (SOPs)  for both routine and non-routine analysis, help identify trends and solve problems at the elemental level using sound fundamentals and creativity.
• Adeptly troubleshoot & maintain and coordinate existing Surface Science instruments and take ownership to oversee laboratory practices. Seek out and evaluate new characterization tools and approaches to support new product development and cogent problem-solving needs.
• Develop and maintain external academic relationships to access key unique measurement tools.
• Direct and mentor junior staff in daily tasks to meet project needs, efficiently prioritize and deploy self and other resources.
• Inventory and order materials to maintain lab supplies in conjunction with other lab staff.
• Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory and pilot plant safety audits.

Required

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of related industrial research.
• Demonstrated expertise in Surface science techniques (SEM, XRF, AFM, AFM-IR, XPS, CLSM and profilometry) including maintenance and troubleshooting of instrumentation.
• Strong preference given to individuals who have experience characterizing polymeric materials and broad experience across different characterization tools in an industrial research environment.
• Effective written and oral communications. Ability to work across functional groups and divisions.
• Background in advanced surface science techniques including AFM-IR, AFM-DMA, XRF, XPS highly desirable. 
• Background in LIMS / ELN / SDMS / Knowledge Management systems.
• 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.

Preferred

• Knowledge of polymers/coatings and techniques to characterize as well as a good breadth in general, organic, and polymer chemistry principles and practices.
• Good computer skills; experience with Chromatography data systems and LIMS.
• Additional background in vibrational spectroscopy.
• Knowledge of using morphological tools to differentiate polymer blend immiscibility.
• Prior experience with people management.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.

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