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Polymer Chemist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Mentis Systems

Polymer Scientist

NC · On-site

... molecules) chemistry techniques, and have hands-on experience using instruments for materials ... polymer blends, emulsions, particles, biomedical polyesters, other viscoelastic systems etc.) • ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry 2 Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry 2 Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry 2 Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Sky Mavis

SR ANALYTICAL SCIENTIST

Durham, NC · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

S. degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science. * Must have the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail. * Previous experience with ...

Pure

SR ANALYTICAL SCIENTIST

Durham, NC · On-site

S. degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science. * Must have the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail. * Previous experience with ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Technician

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... polymer chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical science. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Special Instructions Quick Link Temporary ...

Arclin

Process Engineer II - PT

Moncure, NC · On-site

... polymer resins. Reporting Plant Manager, this role will develop, evaluate, and improve the ... all chemistry/quality related manufacturing issues; act as liaison between R&T (Research and ...

Arclin

Process Engineer II - PT

Moncure, NC · On-site

... polymer resins. Reporting Plant Manager, this role will develop, evaluate, and improve the ... all chemistry/quality related manufacturing issues; act as liaison between R&T (Research and ...

All JobsPolymer Chemist JobsPolymer Chemist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Polymer Chemist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$35.8K

$66.1K

$94.5K

How much do polymer chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer chemist in Raleigh, NC is $66,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer chemist?

A polymer chemist works with molecular or atomic materials to study the way these molecules form and bond. Polymers, or long strings of molecules, can be manipulated by scientists to be used in products such as nylon clothing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paints, and Teflon-coated pans. In this career, your job duties include both creating new materials and conducting research to make existing materials and products better. You conduct various tests in a lab using different methods to find solutions. You can find work in a pharmaceutical company, chemical manufacturer, or in the energy industry. The qualifications needed for a career as a polymer chemist include a Ph.D. in chemistry and significant on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, polymer science, and materials characterization, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or materials science. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation (such as FTIR, NMR, and GPC), data analysis software, and safety protocols is critical. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you design experiments and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies enable innovation, ensure precise research outcomes, and facilitate the development of advanced polymer materials for various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by polymer chemists when scaling up laboratory formulations to industrial production?

Polymer Chemists often encounter challenges when transitioning from small-scale laboratory formulations to full-scale industrial production. These include maintaining consistent polymer properties, ensuring purity, and managing variables like temperature and mixing speed that can affect the final product. Additionally, sourcing raw materials at scale and adapting processes to industrial equipment require close collaboration with process engineers and production teams. Problem-solving and adaptability are key, as unforeseen issues can arise during scale-up that were not evident in the lab.

What is the difference between Polymer Chemist vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer ChemistMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFocus on polymer synthesis, properties, and applicationsBroader focus on various materials including metals, ceramics, polymers
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Chemist vs Materials Scientist

Polymer Chemists specialize in developing and testing polymers, focusing on their chemical properties and applications. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working with various materials including metals, ceramics, and polymers. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Polymer Chemists are more focused on polymer-specific research, whereas Materials Scientists explore a wider range of materials for diverse industries.

How much do polymer chemists make?

Polymer chemists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced chemists or those in managerial roles can earn over $120,000. Skills in laboratory techniques and knowledge of polymer synthesis can influence earning potential.

What jobs can you get with a polymer chemist degree?

A polymer chemist degree can lead to roles such as research scientist, materials developer, quality control analyst, or product engineer in industries like plastics, textiles, automotive, and healthcare. These positions often require knowledge of polymer synthesis, characterization techniques, and laboratory skills, with opportunities in R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
More about Polymer Chemist jobs

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The most popular types of Polymer Chemist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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For Polymer Chemist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Polymer Chemist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Polymer Chemist job openings:

Polymer Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Chemist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,145 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Polymer Scientist

Mentis Systems

NC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The successful candidate must have hands-on experience working in a chemicals/materials/biomedical/textiles lab, be familiar with basic synthetic (polymers or small molecules) chemistry techniques, and have hands-on experience using instruments for materials characterization (rheology, Instron, DSC, GPC, and spectroscopic methods). Additional experience with test method development using medical prototypes, working knowledge of biomedical polymeric materials, and preclinical testing in animals is also valuable.
The candidate should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to proactively identify and resolve experimental challenges, and a strong desire to gain experience in developing medical technologies. The candidate should be able to plan and conduct scientific experiments, and effectively analyze, interpret, and present experimental results while collaborating with team members from a variety of backgrounds. The candidate should also be able to adapt to changing requirements that can arise in a dynamic work environment and will be expected to contribute intellectually to areas not directly related to his or her field.
Education:
PhD suggested, Bachelors required
Requirements
• Hands on laboratory experience working with various polymers/biomaterials/formulations
• Experience with design and development of a polymeric materials-based solution for a biomedical or pharmaceutical application
• Hands on experience characterizing formulations/polymers (gels, polymer blends, emulsions, particles, biomedical polyesters, other viscoelastic systems etc.)
• Experience operating commonly used materials characterization tools (such as rheometer, Instron, spectroscopic methods, DSC, GPC, etc.) and interpreting resultant data
• Ability to design, execute, and appropriately document experiments
• Good written and verbal technical communication skills
• Ability to effectively interpret and present scientific results
Desired skills
• Experience developing test methods to assess biomechanical performance of prototypes
• Knowledge of polymer processing methods (extrusion, thermoforming, 3D printing, etc.), resorbable materials
• Experience with design of preclinical studies and interpretation of resultant data
• Experience in basic synthetic chemistry (small molecule or polymer synthesis)
• Willingness to work occasionally with biological specimens (e.g. animal tissues) for lab scale testing
Education:
Graduate degree (Ph.D. preferred) or equivalent work experience in the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Textile engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related scientific discipline. Prior work experience in a medical device R&D organization is a plus.

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