Entry Level Polymer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scope of Position

Corning is seeking a Senior Research Technician - Critical Materials to support research, process development, and technology transfer activities within the Organic Materials Directorate. This role is ideal for a highly motivated early-career chemist who wants hands-on experience translating laboratory chemistry into real-world applications.The position supports projects across organic materials, polymers, coatings, adhesives, and emerging critical materials technologies, working closely with scientists and engineers in Corning's core research environment. The role includes involvement in both batch and flow-based chemistry platforms, with exposure to advanced flow reactor (AFR) technologies as part of Corning's next-generation manufacturing and materials strategy.

A distinguishing feature of this position is the opportunity to work directly at customer and partner sites, helping transfer and implement chemistry and materials processes developed at Corning into external laboratory and pilot environments.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Experimental Research Support

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to plan and execute experiments that advance research and technology objectives.
• Perform batch chemistry experiments and support flow-based experimental operations using established procedures.
• Prepare reagents, formulations, and test specimens for synthesis, coatings, and material evaluation.
• Operate laboratory, pilot-scale, and process equipment while monitoring conditions and documenting observations.

Process Execution & Technology Transfer

• Support process optimization, repeatability studies, and robustness testing under technical guidance.
• Assist with technology transfer of chemistry and materials processes from Corning laboratories to customer and partner sites.
• Travel to external locations to support process startup, equipment setup, execution, and troubleshooting, ensuring consistent and safe implementation of defined chemistries.
• Support established batch and flow chemistry workflows, including defined AFR processes where applicable.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Perform routine operation, basic troubleshooting, and upkeep of laboratory and process equipment.
• Assist with setup, maintenance, and teardown of experimental systems at internal and external sites.
• Maintain laboratory systems in a state of readiness to support fast-paced project work.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental and process data with a high level of accuracy.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic documentation.
• Develop, update, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and job safety analyses (JSAs).

Operational & Team Support

• Promote a strong safety culture, including safe chemical handling and equipment operation at Corning and partner facilities.
• Assist with laboratory organization, materials logistics, and inventory management, including preparation for off-site work.
• Manage multiple tasks and experimental priorities in a dynamic R&D environment.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Execute laboratory experiments supporting organic and critical materials research programs.
• Operate standardized testing, synthesis, coating, and processing equipment, including batch reactors and flow chemistry systems.
• Participate in onsite chemistry and process transfer activities at customer and partner locations.
• Communicate experimental results, process observations, and technical feedback to project teams.
• Adapt to evolving project needs and priorities.

Education & Experience (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• 0-5+ years of laboratory or industrial experience; strong academic laboratory experience will be considered.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on laboratory and technical skills.
• High attention to detail with strong data accuracy and documentation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and deliverables simultaneously.
• Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of organic and/or polymer chemistry fundamentals.
• Ability to work safely with organic chemicals and materials.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a technical team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel and work at customer and partner sites.

Desired Skills

• Experience with coatings, inks, adhesives, polymers, or formulated materials.
• Exposure to flow chemistry or continuous processing systems.
• Experience supporting process scale-up, pilot work, or technology transfer.
• Familiarity with JMP or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience with materials or mechanical testing (e.g., Instron or similar).

Soft Skills

• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners.
• Initiative, curiosity, and adaptability in a research-driven environment.

Work Schedule & Travel

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday; overtime may occasionally be required.
• 25-50% travel required at times, primarily domestic.
• Travel includes working at customer and partner site locations to support chemistry and materials process transfer.