ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Polymer Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Experience with polymer synthesis and characterization. * Experience with biomaterials development. * Experience in formulation optimization. * Experience with cancer drug delivery. * Experience with ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsScience JobsResearch JobsScientist JobsPolymer Research Associate Jobs

Polymer Research Associate information

See salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do polymer research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for polymer research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a polymer research associate do?

A Polymer Research Associate is responsible for conducting experiments and analyses to develop new polymer materials or improve existing ones. They work in laboratories to synthesize, characterize, and test polymers used in a wide range of products, from plastics to biomedical devices. Their work often involves collaborating with scientists and engineers, documenting findings, and ensuring that materials meet industry standards. This role is crucial for advancing material science and supporting the development of innovative products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polymer research associate?

To thrive as a Polymer Research Associate, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer synthesis, typically supported by a relevant degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD), is essential. Familiarity with analytical techniques (such as FTIR, NMR, GPC), laboratory safety protocols, and data analysis software is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate research outcomes, safe lab environments, and productive collaboration, all critical for advancing polymer innovations.

What are some common challenges faced by polymer research associates when developing new polymer materials?

Polymer Research Associates often encounter challenges such as optimizing the synthesis process to achieve desired polymer properties, ensuring reproducibility at both laboratory and pilot scales, and balancing multiple performance requirements like strength, flexibility, and thermal stability. Additionally, they must stay up-to-date with evolving safety and environmental regulations, which can impact material selection and experimental design. Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, such as engineers and product developers, is essential to align research outcomes with application needs and commercial goals.

What is the difference between Polymer Research Associate vs Polymer Chemist?

AspectPolymer Research AssociatePolymer Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Chemistry or Polymer Science
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, industrial settingsResearch labs, industrial or academic research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, research institutions, chemical companiesChemical companies, research labs, academia
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Polymer Research Associates typically hold bachelor's or master's degrees and work in laboratories focused on developing and testing new polymer materials. Polymer Chemists often have advanced degrees and engage in more complex research, including synthesis and characterization. Both roles are vital in the polymer industry, but the Polymer Chemist generally involves more advanced research responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Polymer Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Polymer Research Associate job openings:

What states have the most Polymer Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polymer Research Associate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Research Associate jobs?

For Polymer Research Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Polymer Research Associate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Post-Doc Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about UNC-Chapel Hillexternal

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Posting Details
Department Chemistry - 318300 Posting Open Date 07/21/2026 Application Deadline 07/20/2027 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate Vacancy ID PDS004916 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location Hiring Range Dependent upon education and experience Proposed Start Date Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Chemistry Department is one of the largest and most complex departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 50 faculty members, 44 SHRA and 37 EHRA staff positions, 260 graduate students, 37 postdoctoral research associates, 700 undergraduate majors, and an annual total of approximately 10,000 registrations by all students in classroom and laboratory courses. The Department is housed in five buildings with over 580,000 sq. feet of space. The faculty participate in teaching assignments which involve an average of 200 students per faculty member per semester. The majority of faculty are research active and supervise graduate students working on their Masters or Ph.D. degrees, undergraduate students carrying out independent research and honors programs, research technicians and postdoctoral research associates. Primarily the research is funded by federal and private agencies such as NSF, NIH, Army, Navy, DOE, PRF and involves expenditures of more than nineteen million dollars annually. A total of over thirty-two million dollars from all sources is expended annually in the Department.
Position Summary
These positions are a part of the development of the research program in a specific lab at the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This posting is used to collect applications. Interested candidates should reach out directly to the PI they would like to work under.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD degree in Chemistry or related field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Must have completed PhD in Chemistry or related field.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Qualification require knowledge of the molecular dynamics simulations, polymer physical chemistry, and data analysis, Linux operating systems, programming skills and scripting, all of which could be obtained during the course of study for the required PhD.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322728
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Nicole Pifer Department Contact Telephone or Email npifer@unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

View All University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Jobs

Apply