Lead Chemist - Suzhou (m/f/d)

Lead and drive innovation in multifunctional polymer-based materials (including composites) and functional tapes within the New Technologies and Incubation Lab division. This role combines hands-on laboratory work, team leadership, and project work, focusing on the creation, upscaling, and implementation of advanced multifunctional adhesives and films from concept to prototype and product.

The position is to be filled at tesa Suzhou site

Responsibilities

• Generate and evaluate creative ideas for new multifunctional polymer materials, product designs, and fabrication technologies, with a focus on functional tapes.
• Develop and optimize laboratory setups for polymer synthesis and coating processes, including upscaling to pilot scale (5–10 kg).
• Formulate and synthesize new polymers, compounds, and adhesives, ensuring their effective integration into functional tapes and related products.
• Identify and collaborate with innovation partners, customers, and suppliers to accelerate discovery and project development.
• Lead feasibility studies and interdisciplinary projects, supervising technicians, apprentices, and interns.
• Protect development results by generating intellectual property.
• Scout industry trends and review relevant literature and patents.
• Ensure efficient, safe, and well-documented laboratory operations.

• PhD in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline; postdoctoral experience in an interdisciplinary field is a plus.
• Willingness to relocate to Suzhou, China is required.
• Proven experience supervising laboratory personnel.
• Strong scientific knowledge of polymer chemistry, synthesis, and coating processes.
• Ability to extract and apply insights from literature and patents.
• Proactive, team-oriented, and analytical work style, with a hands-on approach in the lab.
• Hungry to tackle new challenges and a keen interest in innovation and industry trends.
• Excellent English skills; proficiency in Mandarin is an advantage.

tesa is one of the world's leading manufacturers of adhesive tape solutions, with a range of more than 7,000 products. With passion for technology, we drive innovation, reliability, and sustainability to shape a better future.

Our solutions make a difference in the work, products, and lives of our customers across a variety of industries, including Automotive, Electronics, and Home applications. With this, we address a broad segment of business customers, but also you as a private consumer.

You might be surprised to discover the many places where our adhesive solutions are at work, from the battery in your electric car, to the display of your mobile phone, and even in the elevator in your building. Wherever you look, you'll find tesa - holding the world together since more than 125 years.