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Polymer Science Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Senior Scientist - Polymer Mechanics

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. * Demonstrated research experience in polymer characterization ...

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How much do polymer science phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science phd in the United States is $87,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Polymer Science PhD?

A Polymer Science PhD is an advanced doctoral degree focused on the study of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units. This interdisciplinary field combines aspects of chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering to understand and innovate in the development, characterization, and application of polymeric materials. Graduates are trained to conduct independent research, develop new materials, and solve complex problems related to plastics, rubbers, fibers, and other polymer-based products. Careers for Polymer Science PhDs span academia, industry, and government labs, often involving research and development of new materials for various applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polymer Science PhD?

To thrive as a Polymer Science PhD, you need an advanced understanding of polymer chemistry, materials characterization, and experimental design, typically supported by a doctoral degree in polymer science or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments like FTIR, NMR, DSC, and GPC, as well as experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for driving innovation, conducting rigorous research, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams in academic or industrial settings.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for Polymer Science PhD professionals in industry or academia?

Polymer Science PhD professionals often collaborate with experts in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering. These interdisciplinary teams work together to develop new materials for applications such as medical devices, electronics, or sustainable packaging. Such collaboration not only broadens the impact of research but also provides valuable experience in cross-functional teamwork, which is highly valued in both industrial and academic settings.

What is the difference between Polymer Science Phd vs Materials Scientist?

AspectPolymer Science PhdMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Polymer Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or related field, PhD preferred for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustrial labs, manufacturing, research and development
Industry UsageSpecialized in polymers, plastics, elastomersBroader focus including metals, ceramics, polymers

Polymer Science Phds typically focus on research and development within polymers and plastics, often in academic or specialized R&D settings. Materials Scientists have a broader scope, working with various materials in industrial environments. Both roles require strong technical knowledge, but Polymer Science Phds are more specialized in polymers, while Materials Scientists work across multiple material types.

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Polymer Science Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science Phd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Polymer Scientist - Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications

Phoenix, AZ

Iris Scientific Inc.
See more jobs at Iris Scientific Inc.external

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Polymer Scientist – Electrospinning & Advanced Materials Applications

Location: Phoenix, AZ – Onsite laboratory role; ~20–30% North American travel

Compensation: $90,000 – $110,000 base salary + performance bonus

Relocation: Relocation support available

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance

Contact: Andrew Millar | andrew.millar@irisscientific.com | 647-205-7151

Iris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.

We're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications — drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes — for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.

What This Role Is

You will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility — applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.

A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.

Core Responsibilities

Contract research & project leadership

  • Lead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clients
  • Define project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plans
  • Conduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systems
  • Develop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation discipline
  • Communicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reports
  • Mentor junior team members in experimental design and best practices

Applications & technical support

  • Support advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user training
  • Provide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshooting
  • Represent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North America

Qualifications

Required

  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)
  • Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience — you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group system
  • Demonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems — not a single-polymer specialist
  • Strong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)
  • Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelines
  • Excellent written and verbal technical communication
  • Willingness to travel ~20–30%

Attributes that matter here

  • Strong interpersonal skills and team fit — this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications. This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.
  • Ownership and accountability — comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensiveness
  • Genuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applications
  • Comfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)
  • Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentation

Recent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.

Team & Environment

  • 7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influence
  • High-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year company

Other Requirements

  • Onsite in Phoenix, AZ — must be located there or willing to relocate
  • US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available

Apply