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Polymer Science Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Scientist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$225 - $275/hr

PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure‑property‑end use performance relationships. * Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or ...

Master's or PhD in polymer chemistry, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline * 3+ years of hands-on experience with polymer encapsulants, adhesives, or barrier ...

PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure-property-end use performance relationships * Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or ...

Principal Scientist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure-property-end use performance relationships * Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or ...

PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure-property-end use performance relationships * Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or ...

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. * Experience with LCMS and/or GCMS for trace ...

Process Chemist

Folsom, CA · On-site

$132K - $207K/yr

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. * Experience with LCMS and/or GCMS for trace ...

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field * Hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques, including E-beam lithography, optical ...

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related field. * Must have 3yrs+ hands-on experience in TEM analysis characterizing a variety of materials. * Excellent understanding of the operations and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Polymer Science Phd information

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.

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 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 cities in California are hiring for Polymer Science Phd jobs? Cities in California with the most Polymer Science Phd job openings:
Infographic showing various Polymer Science Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Materials Development Scientist PhD

Proctor & Gamble

Winton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Procter & Gamble rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Location

WHBC - WINTON HILL BUS CENTER

Job Description

Research and Development (R&D) at Procter & Gamble, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, includes a diverse group of roles that contribute to the innovation and development of our products. It encompasses roles in product research, formulation, testing, and scientific analysis. You will find variety and excitement starting Day 1.

The Opportunity:

If you are passionate about applied materials science, energized by solving real consumer problems, and driven to modernize how work gets done through digital innovation, this role is for you. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related discipline to join the Feminine Care R&D organization at P&G in Cincinnati, OH. As a Material Development Scientist-PhD, you will utilize deep technical mastery to make meaningful, handson contributions to the business. You will work in a collaborative, supportive R&D environment where your work directly influences product performance, sustainability, supply resilience, and speed of innovation.

This R&D assignment offers a unique opportunity to work across disciplines internally and with external partners, building both technical depth and system level understanding early in your career. The role also provides the opportunity to innovate across a range of material technologies including but not limited to Adhesives, Nonwovens, and Films to name a few. The role is well suited for scientists who enjoy connecting fundamental understanding to practical applications, and who are motivated to improve not only what we develop, but how we develop it.

The Ideal Candidate Has:

  • A strong foundational understanding of materials science with the ability to apply fundamentals to solve realworld problems. Ability to understand product performance requirements, material feedstocks, and manufacturing processes, and translate this holistic understanding into innovative material solutions.
  • Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills, with the ability to leverage data to connect insights across disciplines, develop technically sound solutions, and influence technical direction on projects.
  • Passion for handson experimental work, with a demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret experiments; test technical hypotheses; and translate data into clear, actionable insights and models.
  • A selfleadership and ownership mindset, including the ability to independently understand complex technical problems, proactively drive problem solving, and collaborate with project teams on technology development.
  • Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multifunctional teams within P&G and with external partners such as suppliers, universities, and technical service providers.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts and results through written reports and verbal discussions.
  • Demonstrated curiosity and innovation mindset, including interest or experience in using digital, data, or automation tools to simplify workflows, improve decisionmaking, and accelerate materials innovation.
  • Learning agility and adaptability, with the ability to rapidly learn new technical areas, tools, and processes in a dynamic, evolving business environment.

This is a fastpaced, highly impactful role focused on developing new materials and material innovations to deliver superior, sustainable products through bestinclass execution and supply solutions.

In this role, you will:

  • Partner with Product Development teams to translate consumer needs and unmet problems into material innovations to deliver superior and differentiated product solutions.
  • Work closely with manufacturing plants to diagnose and resolve rawmaterial technical issues, enabling robust, reliable product performance.
  • Collaborate with external suppliers to develop, qualify, and sustain bestinclass rawmaterial supply chains for a global business.
  • Lead and support new rawmaterial qualifications, costoptimization initiatives, and Business Continuity Plans to strengthen resilience and competitiveness while meeting quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
  • Apply digital and datadriven approaches to simplify workflows, improve decisionmaking, and accelerate the pace of materials innovation.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Education Requirement: PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience in data science, data analytics, statistics.
  • Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time based on business need.
  • Ability to work on-site at Winton Hill Business Center 3-5 days per week.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Proficiency in coding and applying modeling and simulation methods/tools (such as GeoDict, Abaqus) to solve technical problems.
  • Experience in developing and implementing AI solutions.

Just so you know:

Compensation for roles at P&G varies depending on a wide array of non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, degree/credentials, relevant skill set, and level of relevant experience. At P&G compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Total rewards at P&G include salary + bonus (if applicable) + benefits. Your recruiter may be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the hiring process.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role. For more information regarding who is eligible for hire at P&G along with other work authorization FAQ's, please click HERE.

Procter & Gamble participates in E-Verify.

Qualified individuals will not be disadvantaged based on being unemployed.

P&G is dedicated to meeting the needs of applicants requesting an accommodation/adjustment due to a disability in order to complete the online application process. If you have a disability that affects your ability to complete our online application process, please visit our Disability Accommodation Page.

Job Schedule

Full time

Job Number

R000155533

Job Segmentation

Entry Level

Starting Pay / Salary Range

$140,000.00 - $140,000.00 / year

What Procter & Gamble employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Procter & Gamble logo

About Procter & Gamble

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Procter & Gamble (P&G), based in Cincinnati, OH, US, is a multinational consumer goods corporation. The company operates in the Consumer Discretionary sector and has a presence in various industries including Beauty, Health Care, Grooming, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Since its foundation by William Procter and James Gamble in 1837, P&G has grown to become a leading player in the consumer goods market. The corporation prides itself on its core values of leadership, ownership, integrity, passion for winning, and trust. They aim to improve consumers' lives in small but significant ways, with a mission to provide branded goods and services of superior quality and value.

Industry

Health and personal care stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1837