Scientist, Adhesives

Elementis Global; Porto; Presencial; EUR 42 000 - 66 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

Elementis Global in Porto, Portugal is seeking a PSA Additives Scientist to design, develop, and optimize rheology and adhesion modifiers for PSA systems. You will work on clay-based, smectite/hectorite, and hybrid additive technologies for water- and solvent-borne formulations, driving projects from laboratory concept through pilot-scale validation.

You will apply hands-on lab skills to translate results into scalable customer-ready solutions, support quality and regulatory compliance, and

Qualificações

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related discipline.
• PhD is preferred.
• 3–5 years hands-on experience in additive development, PSA formulation, or adhesive systems.

Responsabilidades

• Design, formulate, and optimize rheology and adhesion additives for PSA systems.
• Plan and execute DOE to tune viscosity, flow behavior, coating performance, and final adhesive properties such as peel, tack, and shear.
• Support project execution using structured Project Management tools to plan, track, and communicate activities.
• Provide hands-on technical support to internal teams and customers, including formulation guidance and performance benchmarking.

Conhecimentos

Rheology control

Adhesive testing

DOE & statistics

Laboratory skills

Data interpretation

Formação académica

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Engineering

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Ferramentas

ELN systems

MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Job Summary

The PSA Additives Scientist supports global business growth within the Adhesives & Sealants segment by designing, developing, and optimizing rheology and adhesion modifiers for pressure‑sensitive adhesive (PSA) systems. This role is primarily responsible for developing clay‑based, smectite/hectorite, and hybrid additive technologies for water‑borne and solvent‑borne PSA formulations. The scientist drives projects from laboratory concept through pilot‑scale validation, generating robust technical data to support product performance, customer success, and new business opportunities. The position requires strong hands‑on laboratory skills, deep understanding of rheology and adhesive performance, and the ability to translate experimental results into scalable, customer‑relevant solutions.

Responsibilities

Formulation & Development

• Design, formulate, and optimize rheology and adhesion additives for PSA systems, including clay‑based and hybrid chemistries.
• Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to tune viscosity, flow behavior, coating performance, and final adhesive properties such as peel, tack, and shear.
• Support project execution using structured Project Management tools (e.g., Stage‑Gate process, timelines, and cost awareness) to plan, track, and communicate activities.

Testing & Characterization

• Perform material and formulation characterization using viscosity measurements, rotational and oscillatory rhinometry, DMA, peel/tack testing, and accelerated aging methods.
• Interpret data to establish structure–property–performance relationships relevant to PSA applications.

Scale‑Up & Quality Support

• Support transition of successful laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial production.
• Troubleshoot process variables to ensure consistency, reproducibility, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.

Technical Service & Problem Solving

• Provide hands‑on technical support to internal teams and customers, including formulation guidance, performance benchmarking, and root‑cause analysis of application issues.
• Generate technical data packages to support customer evaluations and commercial adoption.
• Actively support new business opportunities (NBOs) by generating application‑relevant data in collaboration with Global Key Account Management (GKAM) and key customers.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation including ELN entries, SOPs, analytical procedures, batch records, and technical reports.
• Present project updates, data analysis, and technical recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders across R&D, sales, marketing, production, and leadership.
• Support and contribute to technical training for sales, technical sales, customers, and distributors.

Decision Making

• Define experimental methodologies and formulation strategies within assigned projects.
• Recommend technical directions and development priorities.
• Higher‑level approval required for non‑budgeted expenditures.

Job Competencies

• Building collaborative relationships: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Drive product development and opportunities for future business through insight and understanding of customer needs.
• Cultivates innovation: By promoting an innovative mindset, foster a culture of creativity and exploration within the team, encouraging them to think outside the box and generate novel ideas, and drive continuous improvement in products, processes and technologies.
• Plan and align: Planning and aligning to execute is essential for managing multiple projects effectively. It enables you to allocate resources, ensure research activities are synchronized with project timelines, execute projects with precision, maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes.
• Communicates effectively: Utilizing different modes of communication to understand and translate customer needs into future products and applications. Harnessing the collective expertise of the team, customers, and external research partners to develop innovative solutions.

What will it take

Technical Knowledge And Skills

• Strong understanding of rheology, viscosity control, and flow behavior in PSA and coating systems
• Hands‑on expertise in adhesive performance testing (peel, tack, shear)
• Proficiency in DOE and statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP)
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and data‑interpretation skills
• Strong laboratory practices, including solid handling, dispersion of clays, and operation of analytical instruments

Position Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related discipline. Ph.D. preferred.

Experience

3–5 years of hands‑on experience in additive development, PSA formulation, or adhesive systems.

IT Skills

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams; familiarity with ELN systems preferred.

Language Skills

Fluency in written and spoken English.

Working Arrangements

On site, based in Porto, Portugal .

Travel Required

Up to 10%.

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