R&D Formulation Chemist – Adhesives & Coatings Runcorn, Cheshire | Full-time | £45,000–£60,000 per annum Role Overview Our client is seeking a hands-on R&D Formulation Chemist to join their team and help develop, test, and optimise self-adhesive coating formulations and coated products. This role supports new product innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-focused technical projects. You will work closely with production, quality, sales, and suppliers to ensure products meet performance, cost, and manufacturing requirements. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Formulation • Conduct lab-scale mixing, coating trials, and testing (rheology, tack, peel, shear) • Work with suppliers to develop new products and improve existing formulations • Adjust polymer, tackifier, and additive ratios to achieve the target performance • Evaluate new raw materials and support supplier qualifications Coating Process Support • Translate lab formulations into production-scale recipes • Support trial runs on the coating line • Troubleshoot coating issues to optimise product quality Testing & Analysis • Perform testing following industry standards (e.g., FINAT, ASTM, PSTC) • Analyse results and provide clear, actionable technical reports • Conduct root-cause analysis for product or customer issues Customer & Commercial Support • Provide technical guidance to the sales team on product feasibility and capabilities • Support customer trials or calls to resolve application questions • Prepare technical documentation, test summaries, and specifications Research, Development & Continuous Improvement • Identify opportunities for material cost reduction, process efficiency, and product enhancement • Monitor product quality against competitors and industry trends • Lead small to medium R&D projects from concept to production • Document all R&D activities clearly for internal reporting and product accountability Required Skills & Experience • Hands-on laboratory experience in adhesives, coatings, or polymers • Strong understanding of PSA behaviour (tack, peel, shear, flow) • Experience in product development, testing, and quality control • Comfortable working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Production • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills • Excellent communication skills and ability to write clear technical reports • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel • A degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is a plus • Familiarity with industry standards (FINAT, ASTM, PSTC) and FSC standards is beneficial; training can be provided if required • Comfortable providing technical support via calls, emails, or occasional site visits Personal Attributes • Curious and analytical, with a hands-on approach • Able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines • Confident, enthusiastic, and focused • Collaborative yet able to work independently What You’ll Deliver • New adhesive formulations and coated product prototypes • Lab test reports and performance summaries • Recommendations for production optimisation • Root-cause analysis reports for customer or product issues • Support documentation for Sales and Marketing How to Apply If you’re ready to join a dynamic team where your work drives innovation and makes a real impact, click “APPLY” now!