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!