Introduction We are currently supporting a search for a Scientist III to join a leading player in the chemical industry, specialising in adhesives and coatings. Our client develops high-value products and materials built on proprietary technology. This position is based in Nagoya, Japan and focuses on serving Japanese customers.
About the Role In this senior research and development role within the adhesives and coatings industry, you will lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects, from identifying and assessing new scientific concepts to developing formulations that can be manufactured and brought to market. Reporting to the Regional Technology Manager, you will design formulations, run experiments and evaluate the chemical and physical properties, application behaviour, performance and manufacturability of the products under development. You will work closely with application engineering, QC, manufacturing, and sales and marketing colleagues, and act as a senior technical contact for Japanese customers, guiding them to the best solutions. You will also coach less experienced researchers and bring new technologies and ideas into the technical community.
Responsibilities Research and Formulation Development * Design formulations and plan complex research projects using existing or new scientific methods. * Conduct experiments and analyses to evaluate chemical and physical properties, application performance and manufacturability. * Build models and prototypes, and prepare the specifications and technical documentation needed to manufacture and assemble them.
Project Leadership * Lead projects of medium-to-high complexity, some with significant revenue potential. * Estimate the costs, resources and time required, and monitor project performance against targets. * Oversee extended external trials and manage the technical interface during start-up of major product initiatives.
Customer and Cross-Functional Collaboration * Provide technical consultative support to internal and external customers and define requirements for complex projects. * Work with global and local teams to complete projects on time. * Communicate results clearly through technical reports, project plans and recommendations.
Innovation and Technical Vision * Invent, develop and share new technologies and solutions in support of customers and complex projects. * Provide strategic input on technical direction and align technology development with the needs of major customers and markets. * Track technical literature and build contacts in universities, vendors and industry to identify new approaches.
Team Development and Laboratory Excellence * Coach and mentor less experienced researchers, review the quality of their work and help them resolve problems. * Maintain accurate laboratory records and protect proprietary information. * Complete EHS and 5S activities and follow Quality System standards for equipment, supplies and procedures.
Requirements * Minimum of 8-10 years of related experience, preferably in a multinational organisation. * Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science or a related technical field. A PhD is preferred. * Experience in formulation development of adhesives and/or coatings, with knowledge of polymers, thermosetting polymer reactions and application equipment. * Solid laboratory experience, with strong chemical safety awareness and the ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely. * Business-level Japanese and English, as you will work directly with Japanese customers. Mandarin is nice to have, but not required. * Strong organisational and coordination skills, project management ability and a proven record of working effectively with cross-functional teams. * Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Why Apply * Senior technical responsibility, leading complex projects with real commercial impact. * The chance to work on proprietary, high-value products and materials, and to invent and share new technologies. * Close collaboration with Japanese customers and with global and local colleagues across R&D, QC, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. * The opportunity to shape technical direction and build your reputation as an industry expert through professional societies and industry meetings. * A culture that values innovation, collaboration and accountability, where you will mentor others and keep developing your own expertise.