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Polymer Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ... This person will join a dynamic, collaborative research environment focused on engineering a new ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ... This person will join a dynamic, collaborative research environment focused on engineering a new ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ... This person will join a dynamic, collaborative research environment focused on engineering a new ...

Purosil LLC

Polymer Materials Scientist

Corona, CA · On-site

Research and develop new polymer formulations for new product market launches working directly with technical leadership. * Implement and control of all polymer production compounds * Confirm system ...

Verde Bioresins, Inc

Polymer Chemist

Fullerton, CA

$100K - $125K/yr

... in our R&D lab. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: · Provide expertise in polymer processing/structure/property ...

Verde Bioresins, Inc

Sr Polymer Chemist

Fullerton, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Polymer Chemist will report to our Head of R&D and will be responsible for formulating and testing new bio-based polymers and additives for production, testing their characterization and analyzing ...

Starpath

Polymer Chemist - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

... research applicable) * Demonstrated ability to connect polymer chemistry and processing to device-level reliability outcomes Preferred Qualifications * PhD in a relevant discipline with a focus on ...

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Our work moves rapidly from laboratory research into real robotic systems, partnering closely with ... You will lead a polymer chemistry-driven research and development efforts focused on novel polymer ...

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$200 - $248/hr

Our work moves rapidly from laboratory research into real robotic systems, partnering closely with ... You will lead a polymer chemistry-driven research and development efforts focused on novel polymer ...

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All JobsPolymer Research JobsPolymer Research Jobs in California

Polymer Research information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$68.8K

$181.1K

How much do polymer research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer research in California is $68,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer research?

A Polymer Research job involves studying the structure, properties, and applications of polymers to develop new materials or improve existing ones. Researchers in this field work in laboratories, testing and analyzing polymer behaviors under different conditions. They may focus on areas such as biopolymers, nanomaterials, or sustainable plastics for various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and packaging. The role often requires collaboration with engineers, chemists, and manufacturers to implement research findings into real-world applications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a polymer research role?

In a Polymer Research position, your daily tasks often involve designing and conducting experiments to develop or modify polymer materials, analyzing data using specialized laboratory equipment, and documenting your findings in detailed reports. You may also collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing, to help translate research outcomes into commercial applications. Literature review and staying current with scientific advancements are also integral parts of the role. By blending hands-on lab work with data analysis and teamwork, polymer researchers play a critical role in driving innovation within the materials science industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the polymer research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Polymer Research, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering with at least a bachelor's or advanced degree is essential. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and rheometers, along with proficiency in relevant software for material analysis, is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help researchers excel in both independent projects and team environments. These competencies are vital for accurately conducting experiments, interpreting results, and contributing innovative solutions in the development of new polymer materials.

Is polymer research a good career?

Polymer research is a specialized field within materials science focused on developing and improving polymer materials. It offers opportunities in industries such as healthcare, packaging, and automotive, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, laboratory skills, and sometimes advanced degrees. Career prospects depend on industry demand, education level, and technical expertise.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Research jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Polymer Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymer Research jobs in California are:

Polymer Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,767 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Polymer Chemist

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key 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.

Job 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.