Analytical Chemist

Job DetailsJob Location: Hickory, NC 28601Position Type: Full TimeJob Shift: AnyAbout Us:

Join a Team That Sticks Together!

At Shurtape Technologies, we know how to make things stick. As a leading manufacturer and marketer of adhesive tape, we pride ourselves on creating innovative solutions for a variety of industries.

We have facilities all around the world, including in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Mexico, China, and more.

In addition to our specialty adhesive products, we offer well-known brands like Duck®, FrogTape®, Painter’s Mate®, Shurtape®, T-Rex®, Kip®, and Pro Tapes®.

Why Work with Us?

We encourage curiosity and creativity, working together to solve challenges and innovate. Our commitment to health, safety, and environmental responsibility means we make a positive impact on our communities and the world.

What We Offer

A company that truly values your contributions

A place where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of something meaningful

A focus on excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver top-quality, reliable solutions to our customers

An environment where employees are encouraged to bring their best ideas forward and adopt a growth mindset

More Than Just Tapes...

In addition to being obsessed with our customers, Shurtape is committed to being socially and environmentally responsible. We recognize that our actions today affect our world tomorrow, and we are committed to responsible manufacturing processes that protect the communities in which we operate.

We Ask for the Best, and Offer the Best in Return

We are looking for passionate, innovative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment to join the Shurtape team. If you’re looking to be part of a forward-thinking, fast-paced, and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

Our tapes may do the sticking, but it’s our people who hold it all together.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Analytical Chemist is responsible for conducting analytical testing and material characterization in support of research, development, manufacturing, quality assurance, technical service, and customer-related initiatives for pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape products. This role utilizes a broad range of analytical techniques and instrumentation to investigate product performance, evaluate raw materials, support failure analysis, and assist in the development of new adhesive technologies.

This position plays a key role in advancing innovation within the pressure sensitive adhesive tape business by providing scientific insight, analytical expertise, and technical solutions that enable successful product development and commercialization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform chemical and physical analyses of adhesives, coatings, backings, release systems, and raw materials used in pressure sensitive tape products.
Prepare laboratory samples using appropriate extraction, purification, and sample preparation techniques.
Conduct material characterization using analytical instrumentation including:

Chromatography: GC/MS, HPLC, GPC

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

UV-Visible Spectroscopy

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

Thermal Analysis: DSC and TGA

Rheological Analysis: Capillary, rotation and extension.
Pyrolysis and SPME techniques

Analyze complex data sets and generate scientifically sound interpretations and conclusions.
Prepare technical reports and effectively communicate findings to project teams and management.

Support new product development programs through material analysis, competitive benchmarking, and performance evaluations.

Collaborate with formulation chemists and engineers on adhesive development projects.

Investigate relationships between adhesive chemistry, processing variables, and end-use performance.
Assist in the development and validation of analytical methods to improve laboratory capabilities.
Generate recommendations based on statistical and analytical evaluation of data
Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and testing equipment.
Support preventative maintenance programs to ensure instrument reliability and uptime.
Maintain laboratory records, notebooks, test reports, and electronic data systems in accordance with company procedures.
Enter and manage analytical data within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Ensure laboratory housekeeping and organization standards are maintained.
Follow all laboratory safety procedures, chemical hygiene practices, and environmental regulations.
Properly handle, store, and dispose of chemicals and waste materials.
Participate in safety audits, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with applicable ISO, regulatory, and company quality standards.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline with 3-5 years of industrial experience; or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong understanding of analytical chemistry principles.
Experience with chromatography, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and rheological characterization techniques.
Knowledge of statistical methods, including Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel for data analysis.
Familiarity with laboratory documentation and data management systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and within laboratory and multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
Continuous learning mindset with a passion for scientific discovery and innovation.

Preferred

Knowledge of pressure sensitive adhesive technologies.
Experience with polymer characterization techniques.
Experience working with LIMS systems.
Understanding of manufacturing processes related to tapes, coatings, adhesives, or converting operations.
Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory compliance programs.

Success Measures

Timely completion of analytical testing and project support activities.

Accuracy and reliability of analytical data.
Effective support of new product development programs.
Contribution to problem-solving efforts resulting in improved product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Continuous improvement of analytical methods and laboratory capabilities.
Compliance with laboratory safety and quality requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
Frequent use of laboratory instruments and computer equipment.
Manual dexterity required for laboratory testing and sample preparation.
Ability to lift laboratory materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and laboratory jackets.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primary work environment is a research and development laboratory.
Exposure to chemicals, solvents, adhesives, and laboratory equipment.
Occasional support of pilot-scale or manufacturing trial activities
Occasional travel for supplier visits, manufacturing support, technical conferences, or customer-related projects.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.