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Contract Polymer Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Polymer Science Inc

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Monticello, IN · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

Polymer Science, Inc. is a contract manufacturer specializing in the design and manufacture of coatings for the electronic, medical and pharmaceutical industries. Established in 1998 in Monticello ...

Polymer Science Inc

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Monticello, IN · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

Polymer Science, Inc. is a contract manufacturer specializing in the design and manufacture of coatings for the electronic, medical and pharmaceutical industries. Established in 1998 in Monticello ...

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists ... S. federal government contracts that require the employment of only persons who are U.S. citizens.

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists ... S. federal government contracts that require the employment of only persons who are U.S. citizens.

Hexcel Corporation

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA

$120K - $160K/yr

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists ... S. federal government contracts that require the employment of only persons who are U.S. citizens.

Anduril Industries

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 ...

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All JobsContract Polymer Scientist Jobs

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 Aug 9, 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 is a contract polymer scientist?

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:
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Contract Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Polymer Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote 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

Re-posted 22 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 + performance bonus
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're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications - drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes - for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.
What This Role Is
You will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility - applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.
A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.
Core Responsibilities
Contract research & project leadership
  • Lead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
  • Define project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plans
  • Conduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systems
  • Develop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation discipline
  • Communicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reports
  • Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices

Applications & technical support
  • Support advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user training
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshooting
  • Represent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North America

Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)
  • Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience - you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group system
  • Demonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems - not a single-polymer specialist
  • Strong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)
  • Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelines
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication
  • Willingness to travel ~20-30%

Attributes that matter here
  • Strong interpersonal skills and team fit - this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications. This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.
  • Ownership and accountability - comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensiveness
  • Genuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applications
  • Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)
  • Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentation

Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.
Team & Environment
  • 7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influence
  • High-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year company

Other Requirements
  • Onsite in Phoenix, AZ - must be located there or willing to relocate
  • US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available

Apply