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Polymer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Polymer Scienceor Engineering,orpolymermaterialfocus inMaterials Scienceor Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldrequired * 3+years of research and development ...

PhD in Polymer Scienceor Engineering,orpolymermaterialfocus inMaterials Scienceor Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldrequired * 3+years of research and development ...

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Polymer Research information

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$33K

$69.7K

$183.5K

How much do polymer research jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer research in the United States is $69,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Polymer Research job?

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 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.

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 states have the most Polymer Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Polymer Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,680 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Polymer Scientist

Polymer Scientist

Mentis Systems

Research Triangle Park, NC • On-site

Contractor

Posted 20 days ago


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.