Contract Science Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Scientist I – Coatings R&D (Additives)

Adecco Healthcare & Life Sciences is hiring for a leading global specialty chemicals and advanced materials company known for its innovation in coatings, adhesives, and sustainable material technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative R&D team developing next-generation coating additive solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

Location: Wilmington, DE
Pay Rate: Up to $53.00/hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 40 hours/week | Onsite
Contract Duration: Through March 2027, with potential for extension based on business needs and performance.

Position Summary

The Scientist I – Coatings R&D (Additives) will support the development, formulation, and evaluation of specialty additives used in advanced coating systems. This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with hands-on laboratory experience in coatings, polymers, or specialty chemicals who enjoys experimental design, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.

Working alongside experienced scientists, you will conduct laboratory testing, analyze performance data, document findings, and contribute to innovative product development initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate additive performance across a variety of coating systems, including acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane dispersions.

• Prepare and apply coatings using drawdown, spray, and roller application techniques while maintaining consistent film thickness and application parameters.

• Perform coating performance evaluations, including:

  • Rheology and viscosity

  • Gloss and DOI (Distinctness of Image)

  • Particle size analysis

  • Opacity

  • Wetting and leveling

  • Foam and air entrainment

  • Adhesion

  • Scrub and abrasion resistance

• Analyze experimental results and accurately document procedures, observations, and data within laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.

• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations to communicate project findings.

• Collaborate with scientists and cross-functional teams to support customer projects, product development initiatives, and scale-up activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory while following all laboratory safety protocols, SOPs, chemical hygiene practices, waste disposal procedures, and 5S principles.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by promoting collaboration, innovation, operational excellence, and a strong safety culture.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline.

• 0–3 years of laboratory experience in coatings, polymers, specialty chemicals, or a related materials science environment.

• Hands-on experience performing laboratory experiments and maintaining accurate technical documentation.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to analyze laboratory data and communicate technical findings effectively.

• Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Preferred

• Experience with coatings formulation or additive evaluation.

• Familiarity with coating application techniques and laboratory instrumentation.

• Knowledge of coating performance characterization methods.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment while wearing required scientific PPE.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and handle laboratory materials and equipment safely.

Why Work with Adecco?

• Weekly pay

• Competitive compensation

• Access to medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits for eligible associates

• Opportunity to gain experience with a global leader in specialty materials and innovation

• Potential for contract extension based on business needs and performance

Pay Details: $50.00 to $53.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.