R&D Scientist - Structural Adhesives
On-sitePudong, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
Job Summary
Lead new adhesive product development for automotive applications across the Asia Pacific region, driving programs from concept through commercialization while balancing performance, quality, and business objectives. Execute qualification and localization projects in China, partnering with customers and stakeholders to ensure successful product adoption. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to run scale-up trials, performance testing, and customer validation activities. Serve as a technical expert by providing product recommendations, application support, and on-site troubleshooting. Provide technical leadership to laboratory technologists through experimental design, test planning, and data interpretation. Monitor market trends and emerging technologies to influence technology roadmaps, while building external technical networks through industry forums. Ensure product compliance with regulatory and stewardship requirements and promote laboratory safety and quality systems.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
- Strong technical expertise in adhesive formulation, including formulation science, rheology, and the dispersion of solids in liquids
- Experience developing adhesive products for industrial applications, preferably within the automotive industry
- Knowledge of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and product compliance processes
- Experience using Design of Experiments (DoE), statistical analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma
- Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to develop, qualify, and commercialize new products
- Strong communication skills in both Chinese and English
- Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, customer-focused, global environment and travel as business needs require
Desired Qualifications
- Experience leading product localization programs in China
- Familiarity with project management tools and project performance reporting
- Experience providing technical support directly to customers, including application development and qualification activities
- Strong ability to influence stakeholders, communicate technical insights, and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps
- Demonstrated learning agility, adaptability, and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
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