1

Contract Polymer Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist, Energetics

San Diego, CA

$97K - $132K/yr

... contract and permanent staff to a diverse world-wide client base within the energy industry. Our ... Support crystallization, milling, and polymer bonded explosive formulation processes * Develop and ...

... Month Contract with potential for extension We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented ... Experience performing analytical or polymer/monomer testing preferred * Knowledge of GMP and ISO ...

... Month Contract with potential for extension We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented ... Experience performing analytical or polymer/monomer testing preferred * Knowledge of GMP and ISO ...

... contract manufacturers to accelerate adoption of next-generation thermal solutions in AI and data ... Education • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering ...

Senior Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Execute production rocket motor contracts as the program propellant chemist. * Act as the principal ... S. in Chemistry with a concentration in energetic materials, polymer chemistry, or reactive ...

Key Account Project Engineer USA

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$78K - $103K/yr

Develop deep application-specific process expertise and support contract manufacturers in process ... Degree in Materials Engineering/Science, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Automation ...

Hair Care Scientist

NJ · On-site

$70/hr

... polymer interactions in hair formulations * Proven track record of developing and launching ... Familiarity with formulation scale-up processes and working closely with contract manufacturers

Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ... The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.

Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the ... The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Polymer Scientist information

See salary details

$58.5K

$87.8K

$123.5K

How much do contract polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract polymer scientist in the United States is $87,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Polymer Scientist vs Contract Chemical Engineer?

AspectContract Polymer ScientistContract Chemical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, manufacturing plantsProcess plants, manufacturing facilities, R&D labs
Industry UsagePlastics, polymers, materials developmentChemical manufacturing, process optimization
Common Search/ComparisonFocuses on polymer-specific projects and materialsBroader chemical process and plant operations

The Contract Polymer Scientist specializes in developing and testing polymer materials, often working in labs and R&D settings. In contrast, the Contract Chemical Engineer focuses on chemical process design and optimization in manufacturing environments. Both roles require chemistry or engineering degrees and are common in industries related to manufacturing and materials development, but they differ in their specific focus and work environment.

What are Contract Polymer Scientists?

Contract Polymer Scientists are professionals who specialize in the study and development of polymers—large, complex molecules used in a variety of products and materials—while working on a contractual or project basis rather than as permanent employees. They may collaborate with companies, research institutions, or manufacturers to design, test, and improve polymer materials for specific applications such as plastics, coatings, medical devices, or electronics. Their work often involves laboratory research, data analysis, and reporting findings to clients. By working on contract, these scientists provide specialized expertise for short-term or project-specific needs.

What types of projects and collaborations can a Contract Polymer Scientist expect to be involved in on a typical assignment?

As a Contract Polymer Scientist, you can expect to work on a wide variety of projects, often involving the development, characterization, or improvement of polymer materials for clients across industries such as automotive, electronics, or healthcare. You’ll typically collaborate closely with R&D teams, quality assurance, and sometimes directly with clients to align project outcomes with specific requirements. The work environment is usually fast-paced and project-driven, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. Contract roles also provide opportunities to broaden your expertise by working on diverse projects and with different teams, which can be valuable for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Polymer Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Polymer Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry or materials science, advanced knowledge of polymer synthesis and characterization, and typically a relevant degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with analytical techniques like NMR, FTIR, GPC, as well as experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative polymer solutions, ensuring accurate results, and collaborating efficiently with clients and project teams.
More about Contract Polymer Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Polymer Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Polymer Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Polymer Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Polymer Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Polymer Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications

Iris Scientific Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications
Location: Phoenix, AZ - Onsite laboratory role; ~20-30% North American travel
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 base salary
Relocation: Relocation support available
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance
Contact: Andrew Millar | andrew.millar@irisscientific.com | 647-205-7151
Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.
We are partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep electrospinning expertise.
This role sits at the intersection of:
  • Contract research & development
  • Electrospinning / electrospraying subject-matter leadership
  • Polymer compounding & materials development
  • Technical applications support and customer engagement

This is an onsite role within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team supporting both industrial and research clients.
What This Role Is
  • This position combines:
  • Hands-on experimental research
  • Project leadership and client interfacing
  • Technical mentorship
  • Applications and instrumentation support

You will serve as the internal technical authority on electrospinning and electrospraying while leading client-facing development projects from scope definition through final reporting.
This is applied science with commercial visibility - not purely academic research.
Purpose of the Position
The Polymer Scientist will lead and manage electrospinning and electrospraying initiatives across diverse client projects while supporting advanced instrumentation applications across North America.
Success in this role requires:
  • Deep, hands-on electrospinning experience
  • Strong experimental design discipline
  • Comfort managing technical projects independently
  • Clear communication with clients and cross-functional teams
  • Ability to balance laboratory execution with customer-facing responsibilities

Core Responsibilities
Contract Research & Project Leadership
  • Lead electrospinning and electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
  • Define project scope in collaboration with customers
  • Design structured experimental plans and analyze resulting data
  • Conduct hands-on experimentation and sample preparation
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures
  • Ensure quality management compliance and structured documentation
  • Prepare written and oral reports communicating technical outcomes
  • Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices

Applications & Technical Support
  • Support advanced electrospinning systems and related materials applications
  • Conduct product demonstrations, installations, and user training sessions
  • Participate in pre-sales and post-sales technical support
  • Assist with workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows
  • Provide remote and onsite troubleshooting support
  • Serve as a liaison between customers and suppliers on technical matters
  • Execute proof-of-concept testing using laboratory instrumentation

Qualifications
Required:
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline
  • Extensive hands-on experience with electrospinning and/or electrospraying processes
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage technical projects
  • Experience operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20-30% for customer support, training, and events

Desired Attributes:
  • Process-oriented approach to experimentation
  • Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems
  • Experience mentoring or guiding junior researchers
  • Curiosity across a broad range of materials and applications
  • Ability to work autonomously within a small, high-trust team
  • Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth may be considered. Industry or internship experience is advantageous but not required.

Team Structure
  • 7-person analytical team
  • Individual contributor role with technical leadership influence
  • High-autonomy environment

Other Requirements
  • Must be willing to located in Phoenix, AZ or willing to relocate (onsite laboratory role)
  • US Work Authorization is required