R&D Chemist

H.B. Fuller Company; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global adhesives manufacturer is seeking an R&D Chemist to develop and test adhesive formulations in Milton Keynes. The role involves hands-on lab work, statistical analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize products. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 1-2 years of lab experience. This position offers a chance to contribute to innovation and product development in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience working with statistical or spectroscopic methods is preferred.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead research and development projects using project management and DOE methodologies.
• Analyze new raw materials and optimize formulations.
• Generate and evaluate new product concepts.
• Prepare technical reports for stakeholders.
• Support production scale-up and technology transfer.

Skills

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Independent work style

Ability to multitask

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related science field

Job description

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller (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

R&D Chemist

Location

Milton Keynes, UK

Position Overview

The R&D Chemist will play a key role in developing and testing adhesive formulations by analysing raw materials, completing customer projects, and ensuring product performance through laboratory and spectrometer‑based analysis. This position combines hands‑on lab work with technical research to support innovation and continuous improvement in product development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and lead research and development projects using project management and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Analyse new raw materials to optimize existing formulations and recommend the right adhesives for customer applications.
• Generate and evaluate new product, process, or method concepts.
• Meet research goals within established timelines and budgets.
• Prepare and present technical reports to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional and global project teams to deliver results.
• Support production scale‑up and ensure smooth transfer of developed technologies to operations.
• Maintain compliance with quality system requirements and promote safe laboratory practices.
• Mentor and coach other lab staff as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related science field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Independent work style and ability to multitask.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience working in adhesive or polymer laboratories.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments and analyse data using statistical or spectroscopic methods.
• Strong project management and problem‑solving skills.

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.