Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. Our products and solutions include labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and a variety of products and solutions that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving an array of industries worldwide - including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 34,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2023 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.
At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:
Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
Paid parental leave
401K eligibility
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
Paid vacation and Paid holidays
Job Description
Avery Dennison is seeking an energetic Polymer Scientist who is able to deploy deep expertise in rheology to address product performance and novel concepts in adhesion, release (pressure sensitive laminates of soft polymers and films) and coating and polymer processing related challenges. The position will be with the Materials Science and Characterization (MSC) Group, which primarily supports Global R&D activities at Avery Dennison's Mentor, OH location, chartered to support and resolve technical problems from long term projects to urgent manufacturing and quality issues stemming from across Avery Dennison's global operations. The position will involve the use of deep experimental, theoretical and modeling based understanding of viscoelasticity of polymer melts, solution and soft matter. Astute problem solving using structure-process-property principles leveraging materials chemistry, adhesion science, modeling and surface/interface/rheological physics with a high focus on practical applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Drive fundamental understanding and insights of complex materials and time/rate dependent phenomena (polymeric adhesives, block copolymers, nanostructured hybrid materials, gels, colloids and multi-layer laminates) using a full spectrum of rheological and allied approaches. Develop material structure-process-property-performance correlations.
Use strong materials fundamentals (polymer physics) to champion novel design paradigms in areas of interest to AD. Provide technical leadership by developing highly practical programs to achieve project objectives including working in cross-functional teams.
Interact with teams composed of experimental synthetic scientists, characterization, predictive modeling, product developers and process technologists to develop the insights from physical models, theory and surgical experiments that enable rapid exploration of design parameter space without need for extensive prototyping.
Distill concepts to a highly fundamental level using scaling and modeling treating problems unified by similar physical/chemical processes as a class, leading to the development of new material concepts.
Develop and implement test methods to support new product/process development projects and discern structure-property relationships. Conceive and render efficient testing of materials and material discovery using high throughput methods.
Interface with SMEs in rheology/spectroscopy/ physical testing, computing & analytical/process/product development teams etc. to help surface relevant structure-property relationships and guide experiments and technical approach to obtain data for model parameterization and validation.
Interpret data, write technical reports, and communicate research activities and results with other divisional scientists in a high-quality, professional, and timely manner.
Be the subject matter expert in rheology and fluid mechanics. Establish and utilize rheological signatures to determine polymer structure and models thereof.
Work to provide timely support working in close collaboration with immediate and extended team members (Chemists, Engineers, end users) and cross-functional teams situated globally (US, Europe, Asia & South America).
Proactively initiate and execute upon relevant R&D projects and platforms.
Conceive and execute experimental investigations including validation on pilot and production scale as necessary Develop and implement test methods including custom built setup to support new product/process development projects and discern structure-property relationships.
Utilize theoretical and modeling approaches (rheological, mesoscale and AI/ML based) to deliver deep insights and identify scaling relationships and their application in driving significant breakthrough solutions.
Constantly seek to bring in new characterization techniques and depth in understanding of the underlying Material Science in areas of interest.
Interpret data, write technical reports, and communicate analytical results with MSC and divisional scientists and production engineers in a high-quality, professional, and timely manner.
Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory and pilot plant safety audits.
Qualifications
Ph.D in Polymer Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or a related discipline experimental emphasis in soft materials like adhesives/gels most desirable
4+ years of experience in soft matter and advanced rheological methods and applications in an industrial research environment.
Proven expertise in the field supported by technical publications and presentations.
Extensive knowledge and hands-on experiences on techniques such as different rotational, capillary and extensional rheometers, Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), Thermal Analyzers (DSC, TGA and TMA).
Prior experience in developing high throughput rheological and other test methods highly desirable.
Expertise in the rheological characterization of fluids, molten polymers, soft materials.
Knowledge and experience in leveraging rheology in polymer processing, synthesis (emulsion, hot melt and solvent based materials) and high speed web coating processes highly desirable
Be comfortable in spanning theory, experiments and production environments.
Effective written and oral communications.
Good computer skills and excellent record keeping (LIMS, ELN and custom databases). Modeling using math packages (MATLAB) is highly desirable. Use of rheological, continuum, particle based simulations (DPD, MD) and materials kinetics models highly desirable. Experience with AI/ML based models and predictive analytics is a decided advantage.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and solve problems using the above mentioned disciplines and techniques.
High level of motivation, initiative, and energy.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Ability to interact effectively with both internal and external customers.
Less than 10% travel expected.
Additional Information
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Reasonable Accommodations Notice
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