1

Polymer Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is responsible for research, development, and optimization of microporous membranes ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

Senior Technician - R&D

Dallas, TX · On-site

$33.12/hr

Bachelor's degree preferred in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field * 3-5 years of experience in polymer R&D, materials testing, laboratory ...

Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and ... PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related ...

Research Scientist III

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$71K - $79K/yr

South Dakota Mines invites applications for a Research Scientist III within the Chemistry, Biology ... Experience in the development and characterization of polymer nanocomposites and related functional ...

Polymer Scientist

Lebanon, OR · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

This position is responsible for research, development, and optimization of microporous membranes ... Strong background in porous materials and polymer science Critical technical, professional, and ...

Scientist I, Manufacturing Sciences / Scientist - Polymer Chemistry Location: Sunnyvale, CA - 94085 ... Requires collaboration across departments like R&D, Process Development, and Product Management.

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals interested in advancing their career within Avient's Corporate Technology Group. The R&D Scientist is ...

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals interested in advancing their career within Avient's Corporate Technology Group. The R&D Scientist is ...

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced R&D Scientist with strong polymer science fundamentals interested in advancing their career within Avient's Corporate Technology Group. The R&D Scientist is ...

About the Role We are seeking a research scientist to join our print development organization, a ... Bachelor's degree or equivalent or higher degree in chemistry, material science, polymer chemistry ...

Sr. Research Scientist

Pomona, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Sr. Research Scientist will be primarily responsible for driving innovation of dental ... Doctoral degree in chemistry, polymer, or related fields with 3 years of industrial laboratory OR

Showing results 41-60

Polymer Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do polymer research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Polymer Research Scientist should have an advanced degree in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, with expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and analysis. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, and experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective collaboration, and excellent written and verbal communication skills help scientists present findings and work as part of interdisciplinary teams. These qualifications are crucial to innovating new polymer materials, ensuring experimental accuracy, and meeting project and industry goals.

What does a polymer research scientist do?

A Polymer Research Scientist studies and develops polymer materials for various applications, such as plastics, coatings, and biomedical devices. They conduct experiments to improve polymer properties, analyze data, and collaborate with engineers and product developers. Their work often involves synthesizing new polymers, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring materials meet industry standards.

More about Polymer Research Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Research Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Research Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Research Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Research Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Polymer Research Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Research Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Research Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Research Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description

Summary Description: 

This position is responsible for research, development, and optimization of microporous membranes designed for breathable membrane and other applications. The position requires a detailed technical understanding of porous materials, characterization techniques, structure-property relationships, and process optimization as related to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). 


Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with Engineering, Process Technologist, and Quality Manager to solve process problems, minimize variability, and improve current microporous membrane production processes.
  • Works with R&D to schedule production trials to improve product performance or create new products based upon extrusion-extraction technologies.
  • Documents all production trials and characteristics of the resultant membranes; works with Process Technologist to implement standard run conditions for all new products
  • Prepares R&D monthly reports on technical activities
  • Works closely with the CTO to develop new membrane concepts or characterization methods
  • Interfaces with key customer(s) and provides direct technical service support as required
  • Develops technical presentations for use in Quarterly meetings
  • Files provisional patents on new developments
  • Develops models for transport properties through microporous membranes.
  • Investigates new characterization techniques for pore size distribution (e.g., small-angle x-ray scattering, NMR, etc.) and pore interconnectivity.
  • Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
  • Follows Lean manufacturing utilizing tools such as Kaizans, 5S, RIE's and other work area standards
  • Represent ENTEK with the highest standard of professional conduct when interacting with all levels of staff, suppliers, and customers. 
  • Adopt ENTEK culture and core values.
The position accomplishes these responsibilities through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, guided by ENTEK's Core Values, strategic objectives, and Servant Leadership. This position will represent ENTEK with the highest standard of professional conduct when interacting with partners, suppliers, and customers.  
Supervisory Duties:

None

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:


Critical knowledge

  • Computer savvy
  • Superb English written and verbal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills

Critical experience

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment and with cross-functional professionals
  • High drive for results and advanced problem-solving skills
  • Finds innovative solutions to problems
  • Strong background in porous materials and polymer science

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities

  • Lead and drive engineers & production team through high-level projects and experiments
  • Be the technical face of the company in front of key customer(s)
  • Expertise level in porous materials and polymer science
  • Strong work ethic with a desire to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Education and Experience:


Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

  • Ph.D. degree or equivalent work experience in polymer science, materials science, or chemical engineering
  • >3 years of experience, including post-doctoral fellowship, if any.


Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

  • Prior experience in UHMWPE gel processing, blown film technology, characterization of porous materials, experimental design, and Lean principles is highly desired.
  • Prior experience in research and development of breathable membranes or filtration membranes.
  • Background in basic statistics, experimental design, and Minitab software is preferred.
Physical Requirements:

The following physical activities are necessary to perform the essential functions of this job.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, or sit for extended lengths of time. 
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40      pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.