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 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 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. Learn more at www. hbfuller.com
H.B. Fuller is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead applied R&D initiatives that translate material science into commercially successful adhesive solutions. This role partners closely with operations, sourcing, and commercial teams to develop, scale, and launch products that meet defined performance and business objectives. The Senior Scientist will drive projects using structured experimental methods while mentoring others and contributing to a collaborative, safety-focused lab culture.
Primary Responsibilities
Plan and execute R&D experiments using structured methodologies, including DOE and statistical analysis, to support data-driven decisions.
Develop new products, processes, and technologies by linking structure–property–performance relationships to application needs.
Lead projects through Stage-Gate processes, ensuring on-time milestone delivery and clear technical documentation.
Formulate and prepare lab-scale adhesive, sealant, tape, and primer samples for performance testing.
Design and conduct performance testing and establish application-relevant test setups.
Evaluate and qualify alternative raw materials in collaboration with sourcing partners.
Support pilot trials, scale-up, and production implementation with manufacturing and operations teams.
Collaborate cross-functionally and engage with customers to support development, troubleshooting, and commercialization activities.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Polymer Science.
9+ years of relevant industrial R&D experience in polymer-based materials or adhesive formulations.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with formulation, testing, and material characterization.
Proven ability to manage multiple technical projects concurrently using structured development processes.
Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship; ability to travel up to 5%.
Preferred Requirements
Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Polymer Science.
Industrial experience with butyl chemistries, EPDM or rubber vulcanization systems, structural tapes, primers, or sealants.
Experience applying Stage‑Gate methodology in commercial product development.
Working knowledge of SAP, Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN), and digital project management tools.
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Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.
The salary for this role is $90,000-$113,000.
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.
H.B. Fuller is a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives.
Your day probably begins and ends with us. Just about everywhere you look – including the windows through which you see and the magazines you read – you’ll find industrial adhesives and sealants produced by H.B. Fuller. Most likely, we made the glue holding together your cereal box, the seals that keep your refrigerator airtight, and the specialty adhesive in your baby’s disposable diaper. While our products are virtually invisible, they play a vital role in ensuring the quality and convenience of modern life. We take pride in working with our customers to add value.
At H.B. Fuller, we are committed to connecting what matters, bringing together people, products and processes that answer and solve some of the world's biggest adhesion challenges. Through our reliable, responsive technical service, we create lasting, rewarding connections with customers in the packaging, hygiene, electronic and assembly materials, automotive, paper converting, woodworking, construction, general assembly and consumer goods industries.
And, we are committed to building an environment where employees are engaged, challenged and given an opportunity to drive superior results. We firmly believe that our employees drive the success of the company. With long-term, profitable growth as the ultimate goal, we strive to cultivate an environment that offers stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.
