Senior Chemist - Specialty Adhesives R&D

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it's providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world's most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont CareersPosition SummaryThe Senior Chemist role provides technical leadership for specialty adhesive technologies used in demanding industrial bonding applications. This role connects formulation chemistry, mechanical performance, manufacturing processes, and customer applications to solve complex technical challenges and drive product performance, quality, and business growth.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Product Expertise* Serve as a subject matter expert in specialty adhesives and solvent-borne polymer-based bonding systems* Provide technical leadership across product development, manufacturing support, and customer applications* Assess technical risks and opportunities related to formulations, raw materials, processing, and performanceMechanical Testing & Performance EvaluationDesign, execute, and interpret mechanical, environmental, and durability testing to assess adhesive performanceEstablish structure-property-process relationships linking lab results to application and field performanceDevelop and refine test methods aligned with internal standards and customer requirementsManufacturing & Process SupportProvide technical support to manufacturing plants, including troubleshooting complex process and quality issuesPartner with operations and engineering teams to improve process robustness and manufacturabilityDesign or evaluate new manufacturing processes or process changes, supporting scale-up and technology transferQuality, Failure Analysis & Problem ResolutionLead or support advanced failure analyses for customer issues, performance gaps, or manufacturing deviationsApply chemical, mechanical, and materials characterization techniques to identify root causesDefine corrective and preventive actions in partnership with Quality and Manufacturing teamsCustomer-Facing Technical SupportEngage directly with customers to understand application requirements and address advanced technical challengesTranslate customer needs into technical insights that inform product improvements or development prioritiesRepresent the technical organization in customer meetings, audits, or escalation situations as neededCollaboration & Knowledge SharingCollaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teamsProvide technical guidance and mentoring to junior scientists or laboratory staffDocument technical findings, best practices, and process learnings to strengthen organizational capability.Required Qualifications* PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. Candidates with a BS or MS in these disciplines and 10+ or 5+ years of relevant industry experience, respectively, will also be considered.Significant experience in adhesives, polymers, coatings, elastomers, or related materials technologiesStrong foundation in adhesive formulation chemistry and polymer systemsDemonstrated experience with mechanical testing and performance interpretationProven ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary technical problemsExperience working directly with manufacturing plants and supporting process troubleshootingStrong written and verbal communication skillsPreferred QualificationsExperience with industrial bonding applications, including elastomer-to-substrate or structural adhesive systemsHands-on involvement in process design, scale-up, or technology transferFamiliarity with structured quality systems, root cause analysis, and change managementExperience in customer-facing technical roles or field support environmentsWorking Conditions & Travel* Combination of laboratory, manufacturing site, and office-based work* Periodic travel to manufacturing locations and customer sites as requiredJoin our Talent Community to stay connected with us!DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.