Senior R&D Scientist - Sustainable Barrier Coatings for Paper

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 2025 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,100 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in 150 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 Overview

H.B. Fuller is seeking a Senior R&D Scientist to lead the development of sustainable barrier coating technologies for paper-based packaging. This role drives innovation from concept through commercialization, focusing on solutions that support recyclable and renewable packaging. The position collaborates across research, business, and external partner networks to deliver market-ready technologies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead development of water-based barrier coatings for paper packaging.
• Design and execute formulation and validation plans.
• Evaluate bio-based, renewable, and circular-economy materials.
• Develop coatings for moisture, oxygen, grease, and heat-seal performance.
• Support recyclability, repulpability, compostability, and food-contact requirements.
• Monitor industry, supplier, and academic technology trends.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, universities, and research partners.
• Contribute to commercialization, innovation roadmaps, and patent activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in coating, packaging, or materials development.
• Experience developing barrier coating technologies from concept to scale-up.
• Knowledge of sustainability regulations and packaging compliance requirements.
• Authorization to work in the country of employment.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with fiber-based packaging alternatives to plastics.
• Knowledge of biopolymers, cellulose derivatives, and sustainable materials.
• Experience with global food-contact regulations.
• Patent development or intellectual property experience.

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.