ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Polymer Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Prior polymer and materials characterization experience in SEC/GPC, NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, MALDI-ToF ... is required; experience in additional thermomechanical property characterizations e.g., DMA, DSC ...

Mentis Systems

Polymer Scientist

NC · On-site

... characterization (rheology, Instron, DSC, GPC, and spectroscopic methods). Additional experience ... polymer blends, emulsions, particles, biomedical polyesters, other viscoelastic systems etc.) • ...

Posted today

Verdox, Inc

Proficiency in polymer characterization (solution, solid state) is required, and expertise in characterization of porous materials is highly desirable * Demonstrated track record of interdisciplinary ...

ENTEK

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

The position requires a detailed technical understanding of porous materials, characterization ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

ENTEK INTERNATIONAL LLC

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR

$115K - $130K/yr

The position requires a detailed technical understanding of porous materials, characterization ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolymer Characterization Jobs

Polymer Characterization information

See salary details

$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer characterization in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when performing polymer characterization in a laboratory setting?

One common challenge in polymer characterization is ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of results, as sample preparation and instrument calibration can significantly impact data quality. Analysts often work with complex mixtures or new materials, requiring careful method selection and validation. Additionally, interpreting results—such as molecular weight distribution or thermal properties—can be complex and may require collaboration with research scientists, chemists, or engineers. Staying updated on the latest analytical techniques and troubleshooting instrument issues are also regular parts of the role.

What is the difference between Polymer Characterization vs Polymer Laboratory Technician?

AspectPolymer CharacterizationPolymer Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field; experience with analytical techniquesAssociate's or Bachelor's degree; familiarity with lab procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, quality control, R&D departmentsManufacturing labs, quality assurance, production support
Industry UsageUsed for detailed analysis and testing of polymersSupports lab operations, sample preparation, routine testing

Polymer Characterization professionals focus on analyzing and testing polymers to determine their properties using advanced techniques, while Polymer Laboratory Technicians assist with routine lab tasks and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in polymer research and manufacturing, but they differ in complexity and responsibilities.

What is polymer characterization?

Polymer characterization is the process of analyzing and determining the physical, chemical, and structural properties of polymers. This includes evaluating aspects such as molecular weight, composition, morphology, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties. Techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, and rheology are commonly used in polymer characterization. The goal is to better understand how the polymer's structure relates to its performance and suitability for specific applications. Accurate characterization is crucial for quality control, research, and development in polymer science and engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Polymer Characterization, and why are they important?

To thrive in Polymer Characterization, you need a solid background in chemistry or materials science, with experience in analyzing polymer structure and properties. Proficiency with analytical instruments such as FTIR, NMR, DSC, GPC, and relevant data analysis software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in collaborating with teams and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate material analysis, support research and development, and drive innovation in polymer applications.
More about Polymer Characterization jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Characterization jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Characterization job openings:
What states have the most Polymer Characterization jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Characterization jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Characterization jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Characterization jobs are:
Polymer Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Characterization job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Polymer Chemist

Polymer Chemist

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description
Kodiak Sciences is a fast-growing clinical-stage biotechnology company with a strong focus in ophthalmology. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform merges the fields of protein engineering, organic chemistry, and polymer chemistry and is at the core of our discovery engine.
We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ideal candidate will be passionate and focused on developing new technologies that challenge the current boundaries. The candidate will use a combination of highly efficient organic chemistries and modern reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) polymerization techniques to synthesize high-performance functional polymers to support technology development at Kodiak Sciences.
This person will join a dynamic, collaborative research environment focused on engineering a new drug delivery platform for ophthalmology applications. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in modern RDRP polymerizations and air-free synthesis techniques. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in driving commercial innovation, GLP/GMP, designed experimentation and statistics (e.g., Six-Sigma methodologies) and/or project management tools. The successful candidate is sufficiently versed in organic chemistry techniques, including the design and synthesis of functionalized monomers and polymeric material characterization when needed.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize polymerization processes for up to 100g scale functional polymer synthesis.
  • Support tech and process transfer of leading polymeric materials to development and CMC teams.
  • Develop an automated synthesis system for high throughput formulation screening and validation.
  • Design and execute DOEs to establish key polymer structure-property-performance correlations.
  • Maintain an awareness of technical literature and contacts to define new technical approaches, projects and areas of interest. Proactively bring in new technology from external community.
  • Develop analytical techniques to characterize new polymers and polymeric materials by using SEC-MALS, DLS, NMR, viscosity and other relevant techniques.
  • Summarize and report project results regularly with proper documentation and support intellectual property/patent filings.
  • Stakeholder relationship management and internal customer-centric, deliver impactful results and meeting project timelines, and pro-actively provide strategic inputs to R&D roadmap and future-generation product plans.
  • Follow the guidelines for laboratory safety, training procedures and records according to company and industrial standards.

Education/Experience
  • Ph.D. in polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field
  • Four or more years of relevant experience in biotech/pharma settings, or similar environments, or a relevant postdoc experience is preferred
  • Hands-on experience in large-scale batch synthesis or scale-up using modern RDRP methods.
  • Prior experience working with air- and moisture-sensitive substances using glovebox or Schlenk-techniques is required.
  • Experience with automation in polymer chemistry for high throughput formulation screening and development is a strong plus.
  • Prior polymer and materials characterization experience in SEC/GPC, NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, MALDI-ToF is required; experience in additional thermomechanical property characterizations e.g., DMA, DSC, TGA, and Rheology, and advanced characterization methods including TEM, SEM, SANS, SAXS, is a plus
  • Prior experience with polymer grafting, polymer end-group modification, and/or bioconjugate techniques is highly preferred.
  • Prior experience with GMP/GLP, and other manufacturing quality and project management tools (e.g., Six-Sigma and DFMEA) is highly preferred.
  • Prior experience synthesizing polymers for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery devices, polymer bioconjugates, polymeric hydrogels, nonviral gene therapy, etc. is required.
  • Good learning agility and self-driven. Capable of setting goals, planning, leading, and executing R&D projects is a must, as demonstrated by the ability to de-risk projects and manage course corrections.
  • Safety-conscious and continuously maintaining a safe work environment as a role model lab citizen is a must.
  • Excellent sense for detailed documentation and capture of key procedures, research results, and inventions in support of IP protection and commercial innovation is a must.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are required for timeline management and driving projects to success.

Apply