Scientist – Research and Development (Wood Science)

About the Role

You will support the Application Services Team by preparing, testing, and evaluating engineered wood composites, resin technologies, and related materials. Your responsibilities will include preparing prototypes; conducting hands-on laboratory, pilot-scale, production, and customer trial work; performing physical, mechanical, and chemical testing; interpreting technical data; and communicating results to internal R&D teams and customers. This position requires strong attention to detail, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively and safely in a technical environment.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

• Prepare prototypes of engineered wood composites and other composite materials with R&D resin technologies for the purpose of performance testing and characterization.
• Conduct physical, mechanical, and chemical evaluation of prototypes and commercial-grade samples, including evaluation of internal bond strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling, water absorption, and emissions. For other composite prototypes, testing may include glass mat handsheets, tear testing, tensile testing, crush testing, and fire testing.
• Record and interpret data. Prepare technical reports and communicate results to R&D teams and customers.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting to solve problems and drive innovation.
• Communicate effectively through verbal and written updates, reports, and presentations.
• Plan and manage multiple priorities to complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Travel to customer sites to support trials, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical assistance.

Physical or Mental Requirements

• Regularly use hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, measuring devices, clamps, and related fabrication or testing equipment in a safe and controlled manner.
• Perform work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.
• Stand, walk, bend, reach, grip, push, pull, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods while preparing samples, operating equipment, and conducting testing.
• Lift, carry, move, and position materials, tools, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, gloves, lab coat or protective clothing, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hard hat, and safety footwear, as required by task or work area.
• Follow all EHS procedures, equipment operating instructions, chemical handling requirements, and job-specific safety training while performing duties.
• Ability to work in laboratory, pilot-scale, and production environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, heat, chemicals, moving equipment, and other industrial conditions.

Travel Requirements

Approximately 30%

Required Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in wood science, materials science, chemistry, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and directly related technical experience.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in safe use of hand tools, power tools, saws, cutting tools, and related mechanical or fabrication equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience preparing, testing, and evaluating wood composites, engineered wood products, resins, adhesives, or related composite materials.
• Experience following laboratory procedures, documenting test results, maintaining equipment, and supporting safe lab or pilot-scale operations.
• Experience analyzing test data, organizing large data sets, and applying basic statistical methods to support technical conclusions.
• Familiarity with mechanical, physical, or chemical testing methods used to evaluate material performance.