Project-Based Wood Adhesives Chemist (Formulation & Testing)

Objectives of the Role

- Deliver a market-ready adhesive formulation that meets defined performance, cost, and environmental (e.g., low-VOC) specifications.

- Establish and execute a robust testing protocol to validate the new formulation against industry standards (e.g., EN 204/205, ASTM D5751).

Core Responsibilities

- Formulation Development: Design, formulate, and prepare batches of wood adhesives (e.g., PVA adhesives) based on project requirements.

- Chemical Analysis: Analyze and characterize raw materials (polymers, crosslinkers, catalysts, additives) and final adhesive properties (viscosity, pH, solids content).

- Testing & Validation: Conduct rigorous mechanical testing (e.g., tensile shear strength) and durability testing (e.g., water resistance, heat aging) on bonded wood substrates.

- Process Optimization: Recommend adjustments to formulation or process parameters (mix time, curing temperature, pressure) to scale successful laboratory results.

Skills & Qualifications

- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.

- Experience: Proven experience (3+ years preferred) in adhesives/coatings R&D, with a strong focus on wood or structural adhesives.

- Familiarity with regulatory standards related to wood products