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Polymer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LyondellBasell

CPD Researcher

Cincinnati, OH

The position requires a PhD, or a Bachelor's degree with 6 years of relevant industry experience minimum * Preferred degree disciplines include Polymer Science and Engineering, Plastics or Polymer ...

New York University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

New York, NY · On-site

$75K/yr

The overall objective is to valorize waste products to enhance polymer sustainability efforts ... Qualifications Candidates should have a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering ...

Qnity

Senior Scientist

Circleville, OH · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

PhD in Polymer Science, Material Science, Physical Chemistry, or related discipline. * Strong knowledge in polymer synthesis, polymer physics, polymer characterization, and process. * Deep ...

AESSE INVESTMENTS LTD

Senior R&D Scientist

Sheboygan, WI

$92K - $126K/yr

The Lead/Senior Scientist applies sound polymer science, structured experimentation, and scientific ... PhD or MS in a scientific discipline * Familiarity polyolefins, crosslinked polyolefins, PVC ...

SACO AEI Polymers

Senior R&D Scientist

Sheboygan, WI

$92K - $126K/yr

The Lead/Senior Scientist applies sound polymer science, structured experimentation, and scientific ... PhD or MS in a scientific discipline * Familiarity polyolefins, crosslinked polyolefins, PVC ...

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required * 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology; Successful ...

Avient

R&D Scientist

Avon Lake, OH

PhD or equivalent in related field is required (materials science, chemistry, polymer science, polymer engineering, etc.) * 4+ years of related experience is preferred. Additional Qualifications

Avient Corporation

R&D Scientist

Avon Lake, OH · On-site

PhD or equivalent in related field is required (materials science, chemistry, polymer science, polymer engineering, etc.) * 4+ years of related experience is preferred. Additional Qualifications

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Polymer Phd information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer phd 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polymer PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer PhD, you need advanced knowledge in polymer chemistry, materials science, and experimental research, supported by a doctoral degree in a related field. Proficiency with analytical instruments (such as NMR, FTIR, and DSC), data analysis software, and laboratory safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, scientific communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in interdisciplinary research environments. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, publishing impactful research, and contributing to advancements in polymer science.

What are Polymer PhD holders and what do they do?

Polymer PhD holders are scientists who have completed doctoral research in the field of polymer science, which focuses on the study of large, complex molecules made up of repeating subunits. Their work often involves developing new materials, improving existing polymers, and conducting research in areas such as plastics, rubbers, adhesives, and biomedical devices. They typically work in research and development roles in academia, industry, or government laboratories. Their expertise is essential for advancing technologies in sectors like healthcare, automotive, electronics, and packaging.

What are some common challenges faced by Polymer PhD researchers in industrial or academic settings, and how can they be addressed?

Polymer PhD researchers often encounter challenges such as designing experiments with novel materials, troubleshooting complex synthesis or characterization processes, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. In both industry and academia, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is essential, which requires strong communication skills and adaptability. Staying organized, actively seeking mentorship, and participating in professional networks can help researchers navigate technical and project management hurdles while enhancing their career prospects.

What is the difference between Polymer Phd vs Polymer Scientist?

AspectPolymer PhdPolymer Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Polymer Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Polymer Science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustrial labs, manufacturing, R&D teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, some corporationsManufacturers, chemical companies, product development
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advanced research rolesIndustry application and product development roles

The main difference between a Polymer Phd and a Polymer Scientist lies in their focus and qualifications. A Polymer Phd typically has advanced research skills, often working in academia or specialized research settings. In contrast, a Polymer Scientist usually applies their knowledge in industrial environments, focusing on product development and manufacturing. Both roles require a strong background in polymer chemistry, but their work environments and career paths differ.

More about Polymer Phd jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Phd jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Phd job openings:
What states have the most Polymer Phd jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Phd jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Phd jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Phd jobs are:
Polymer Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Phd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Materials R&D Supervising Project Manager

Materials R&D Supervising Project Manager

Texas Research International, Inc.

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About TRI Austin
TRI Austin, Inc. is a small business with a 50-year history as a first-class materials science and applied research and development firm. We are a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team engaged in cutting-edge research spanning organic synthesis, formulations chemistry, polymer science, and a wide array of innovative programs. We pride ourselves on our intellectually stimulating environment, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Supervising Project Manager who brings both strong technical fluency and proven leadership skills to help drive our research and development programs forward.
Role Summary
We are seeking a senior, hands-on materials scientist who will serve as both a project manager and laboratory supervisor. This role blends technical execution with day-to-day project leadership: you will manage scope, schedule, and budget across multiple R&D projects; supervise and mentor a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians; produce and deliver high-quality technical reports and presentations to internal and external sponsors (including DoD); and ensure laboratory safety and quality practices. The ideal candidate has a strong background in polymers/materials, excels at scientific documentation and briefings, and is comfortable coordinating people and resources in a fast-paced lab environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • People leadership and lab supervision
  • Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 4-8 scientists/engineers/technicians; set goals, provide feedback, and support professional growth.
  • Plan staffing and priorities across projects to balance workloads and meet milestones.
  • Establish and enforce SOPs, quality practices, and EHS standards; promote 5S and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
  • Project planning and execution
  • Lead end-to-end management of multiple concurrent R&D projects, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, risk tracking, and milestone burn-downs.
  • Maintain integrated project schedules, track progress against deliverables, and drive on-time, on-budget execution.
  • Coordinate cross-functional contributors, subcontractors, and vendors; oversee procurements and equipment utilization.
  • Technical execution (materials/polymers)
  • Apply technical knowledge in chemistry, polymer science, or materials science to provide informed guidance on R&D activities, troubleshoot project challenges, and ensure scientific quality and integrity.
  • Guide formulation, processing, and testing of polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, and elastomers from concept through bench-scale validation and pilot-scale demonstration.
  • Oversee characterization and data interpretation (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, FTIR, mechanical testing).
  • Apply basic DoE/statistical approaches and root-cause analysis to accelerate learning and de-risk scale-up.
  • Technical reporting, documentation, and presentations
  • Own preparation of monthly/quarterly status reports and final technical reports; ensure accuracy, clarity, and rigor in data, figures, and analyses.
  • Build sponsor-ready slide decks and deliver technical briefings to customers (e.g., DoD).
  • Enforce configuration control, data traceability, and compliance with client templates and internal document standards.
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks, experimental records, and data packages to support reproducibility and audits.
  • Stakeholder communication and contract support
  • Serve as a point of contact for project communications with sponsors and internal leadership.
  • Support proposal and contract activities (e.g., contributing sections, drafting schedules, budgets, and deliverables), with emphasis on compliant, high-quality documentation.
  • Ensure adherence to government and customer reporting requirements and internal QA processes.

TRI Austin, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Key Qualifications:
  • Education: MS or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Experience:
  • 5+ years of relevant post-degree R&D experience in materials-focused environments; or 3+ years with a PhD.
  • 2+ years managing R&D scope/schedule/budget for multi-disciplinary teams.
  • 1+ year of direct supervision or team leadership in a laboratory setting.
  • Technical and communication skills:
  • Hands-on laboratory experience in polymer/materials processing and characterization.
  • Familiarity with chemical formulation, polymer synthesis, adhesives and coatings, composites, and structure-property relationships.
  • Exceptional technical writing skills with demonstrated experience producing sponsor-ready reports and presentations.
  • Strong oral presentation skills and experience briefing technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with MS Office (Word for structured technical reports; PowerPoint for sponsor briefings; Excel for data/figures); familiarity with project tools and collaboration/document systems (e.g., SharePoint/Teams).
  • Additional requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Industrial Security Clearance. For more information, visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/fso/faqs/
  • In-person role in Austin, TX.
  • Must be capable of occasionally working in a laboratory environment, including lifting up to 50 pounds and using a respirator as needed.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting DoD or other U.S. Government projects and associated reporting/deliverables.
  • PMP certification or formal project management training; familiarity with risk registers and gated development.
  • Experience with DOE/statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and/or scripting for data analysis (e.g., Python/Matlab).
  • Background in scale-up, technology transition, and/or quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001/AS9100).

Why Join TRI Austin
  • Be part of a 50-year legacy of scientific excellence and innovation.
  • Work in a flexible, intellectually stimulating environment with diverse, high-impact projects.
  • Contribute to applied research with real-world impact and visible deliverables.
  • Enjoy an excellent quality of life in Austin, TX, with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

TRI Austin, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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