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.
Position Title: Scientist
Location: Shirwal, Pune
Position Overview
Scientist reports to IMEA Senior Scientist and is responsible for the development, formulation, and optimization of solvent-free & Solvent based adhesive systems for flexible packaging applications, with focus on polyurethane (PU) and polyester chemistries. The role combines innovation, product improvement, customer-specific solutions, and technical support aligned with market needs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and formulate solvent-free & solvent-based polyurethane and polyester adhesives for flexible packaging applications.
- Work on new product development (NPD), product reformulation, and cost optimization projects.
- Conduct laboratory-scale synthesis, compounding, and performance testing of adhesive systems.
- Evaluate raw materials, resins, polyols, isocyanates, catalysts, and additives for performance and regulatory compliance.
- Support scale-up from lab to pilot plant and commercial production.
- Perform substrate compatibility studies for films such as BOPP, PET, CPP, PE, nylon, and metallized films.
- Ensure adhesive systems meet performance requirements such as bond strength, chemical resistance, heat resistance, and aging stability.
- Troubleshoot product performance issues in collaboration with production, quality, and technical service teams.
- Support customer trials, technical service requests, and field failure analysis.
- Maintain documentation including formulation records, test reports, and technical data sheets.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards (REACH, FDA, etc.).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, manufacturing, and procurement.
- Monitor industry trends in flexible packaging adhesives and competitor technologies.
- 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
- A Bachelor of Science with 5 years’ experience or a Master of Science in chemistry with 2 years’ experience in R&D of adhesives, coatings, or polymer systems (flexible packaging experience preferred).
- Knowledge of the adhesives industry (manufacturing process, equipment, substrate, surface preparation methods)
- Demonstrated ability to complete basic projects independently
- Demonstrated understanding and application of Lamination adhesives, including value propositions
- Experience in companies working with flexible packaging adhesives is highly desirable.
Preferred Requirement
- Deep knowledge of polyurethane and polyester chemistry.
- Experience in solvent-based and solvent-free adhesive systems (lamination adhesives preferred).
- Understanding of flexible packaging structures and converting processes (dry lamination, extrusion lamination, etc.).
- Familiarity with testing methods such as peel strength, bond strength, lap shear, and aging tests.
- Knowledge of raw materials such as polyols, isocyanates, polyester resins, and curing agents.
- Experience with lab equipment and analytical tools used in polymer/adhesive development
- Travel for customer trials, scale‑up support, and key lab/technical meetings typically <20
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.
