Analytical Chemist

Job Details

Job Location:

Z-Research & Development - Hickory, NC 28601

Position Type:
Full Time

Job Shift: Any

About Us:

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®, Frog Tape®, Painter’s Mate®, Shurtape®, T‑Rex®, Kip®, and Pro Tapes®.

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.

• 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

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 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.

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.

• 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,…