Laboratory Technician, R&D

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils! 

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UPM Adhesive Materials is looking for a Laboratory Technician, Mills River Testing Center in Mills River, North Carolina.

Greetings from your future manager

“We are looking for a team member who, like us, values laboratory testing as a key driver of innovation in new product development. Accurate, reliable and continuously improving testing is essential to support successful and ongoing product development. Our team supports local and global projects to help maintain our strong and competitive position in the industry and to enable future innovation." – Cailey Koeckeritz, Team Leader, Mills River Testing Center.

What you will do

• Conduct laboratory testing on label materials (e.g., coatings, liner, face stock, adhesives) and report results to the work requester

• Perform analytical testing on silicone, polymers and adhesives

• Create and update laboratory work instructions (SOPs) for assigned test methods

• Provide support to other technicians in the team when needed

• Share knowledge and support colleagues through training when needed

• Participate in projects such as product development trials, new equipment commissioning and test method harmonization

• Contribute to method development in cooperation with product development teams

• Follow safety rules and regulations; identify potential risks and report concerns to the team leader; participate in developing and implementing safety practices

• Carry out other laboratory-related tasks assigned by the team leader

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Who you are

• You have education and/or experience equivalent to an associate or bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, applied science or another relevant field; a bachelor’s degree is preferred

• You have experience working in a laboratory environment, including sample preparation, testing and analysis of results

• You work in a precise and detail-oriented way and can manage priorities in a dynamic environment

• You are motivated to learn and grow, can organize your work effectively and look for ways to improve how work is done

• You collaborate well within a team and focus on providing reliable service to stakeholders

• You take initiative and can work independently, making sound decisions within your scope

• You have solid IT skills and can troubleshoot basic instrument issues

This is what we offer to you  

• A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.  

• A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees. 

• Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth. 

• Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves. 

• Comprehensive benefit package: UPM’s benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working   

Additional information  about the position

This is an on-site position based in Mills River, North Carolina.

The position holder will report to Team Leader, Mills River Testing Center.

For further information about the role, please contact  Cailey Koeckeritz, Team Leader, Mills River Testing Center  at email  [email protected].

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by  July 13, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline.  

For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Service Center at  [email protected] or tel. +18777235247.  

This job description is intended to be a guide and is not intended to be a contract of employment, explicit or implicit. All contents are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company. Cooperation is expected of all employees. Other duties may be assigned as needed. 

Country-specific information 

Only candidates authorized to work within the United States without sponsorship will be considered. 

UPM business / function information

UPM North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.  

UPM – we renew the everyday 

Read more: upm.com 

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