1

Phd Material Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

PhD Chemist

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

PhD in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related engineering or science with 2+ years in a laboratory and product development setting with emphasis on ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$87K - $119K/yr

PhD in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related engineering or science with 2+ years in a laboratory and product development setting with emphasis on ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to existing and new areas of interest * Actively ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to existing and new areas of interest * Actively ...

PhD Chemical Engineer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... Apply engineering and scientific fundamentals to existing and new areas of interest * Actively ...

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline. * Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:

Showing results 21-40

Phd Material Science information

What is the difference between Phd Material Science vs Materials Engineer?

AspectPhd Material ScienceMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Material Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsManufacturing, product development, industry labs
Industry UsageResearch, academia, advanced R&DProduct design, process improvement, manufacturing

Phd Material Science professionals focus on advanced research, developing new materials, and academic roles, often working in labs or universities. Materials Engineers typically work in industry settings, applying existing knowledge to develop and improve products and manufacturing processes. While both roles require knowledge of materials, the PhD is more research-oriented, whereas Materials Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Material Science jobs in Tennessee?

For Phd Material Science jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Phd Material Science jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Phd Material Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Material Science job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

PhD Chemical Engineer - Pulp and Paper Science

Eastman Chemical Company

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.

Responsibilities

**Please note - This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2027. PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027**

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate in Chemical Engineering with emphasis on Paper and Pulp science. This role is based in Kingsport, Tennessee and will play a critical technical leadership role across product development, pilot plant operations, manufacturing support, and process scaleup.

This position is ideal for candidates with substantial handson experience in cellulose ester chemistry, pulping or paper machine operations, fiber modification, coated paper development, sustainable packaging, or mill process optimization.


Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Lead development and scaleup of cellulose ester products and processes across lab, pilot plant, and fullscale manufacturing environments.
  • Apply engineering and chemistry fundamentals to improve reaction systems, optimize assets, and drive stepchange operational performance.
  • Design and execute plant trials, experiments, and capability studies to reduce rawmaterial usage, improve yield, enhance quality, and increase capacity.
  • Lead pilot plant campaigns, new equipment commissioning, and scaleup programs across multiple business areas.
  • Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, technicians, and business teams to advance new product and process initiatives.
  • Use statistical analysis, Six Sigma tools, and datadriven insights to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements.
  • Communicate technical strategies, experimental results, and recommendations to technology, manufacturing, business, and leadership stakeholders.
  • Promote and model strong safety practices in all laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing activities.
Qualifications
  • Required Degree: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology.
  • Strong commitment to safe operation in lab and pilot settings.
  • Working knowledge of paper and pulp, polymer esters, or related chemical process technology.
  • Demonstrated experience in Fiber chemistry, product development, or process improvements.
  • Strong understanding of esterification chemistry, polymer reaction systems, and fundamental process engineering.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and datadriven process optimization.
  • Ability to independently design and execute complex experiments and plant trials.
  • Demonstrated ability to improve product quality, increase production rates, reduce variability, and optimize mill operations.
  • Desire to engage well with technicians/operators, peers, and management and to collaborate to find innovative solutions

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives
Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage-paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
A robust menu of voluntary benefits-including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more-so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies
401(k) with a company match-plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away
Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life's moments.

Growth & Development
Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you-so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you're proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.