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Contract Polymer Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Polymer Science Inc

OFFICE CLERK

Monticello, IN · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

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

OFFICE CLERK

Monticello, IN · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

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 ...

Adecco

Polymer Development Chemist

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Temporary (minimum 1-year temp/contract role) Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Pay Range ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with a focus on ...

Eurofins Scientific

GC-MS Scientist

Saint Louis, MO

... Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and ... D. in chemistry (analytical, organic, and/or polymer chemistry) * Must have experience operating ...

Eurofins

GC-MS Scientist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... Contract Research Organization services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and ... D. in chemistry (analytical, organic, and/or polymer chemistry) * Must have experience operating ...

Delo

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 ...

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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 Jul 16, 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:
What job categories do people searching Contract Polymer Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Polymer Scientist jobs are:
Contract Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Polymer Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% 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 28 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