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Polymer Science Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Celanese

Advanced Chemist

Hopewell, VA · On-site

A MS or PhD in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry is preferred. * Degrees in another scientific discipline will be considered. Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Required: * Technical Subject ...

Celanese Corporation

Advanced Chemist

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$103K - $170K/yr

A MS or PhD in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry is preferred. * Degrees in another scientific discipline will be considered. Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Required: * Technical Subject ...

Devyantram

Lead Biohybrid Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

... polymer (iontronic) device approaches. • Partner with the photonics lead on the device-level ... or PhD in Bioengineering, Neural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred. * Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure ...

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Polymer Science Phd information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer Science Phd jobs in Virginia?

For Polymer Science Phd jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Polymer Science Phd jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymer Science Phd jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Polymer Science Phd jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Polymer Science Phd job openings:

Polymer Science Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science Phd job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Scientist - New Product Development

Richmond, VA • On-site

Altria Group, Inc.
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Altria Group, Inc.external

$91K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist - New Product Development
Req Id: 3305
Work Model: On-Site
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Together We Innovate. Together We Change.
Advance innovative oral nicotine products for next-generation reduced-harm solutions at a Fortune 500 company. Do you have a degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, food science, pharmaceutical science, or a related discipline? Do you also bring experience in product development, formulation, applied research, or food/pharmaceutical processing? If so, we want to speak with you!
We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist - New Product Development - to join Altria's Growth Org and Front-End Innovation Technical team in Richmond, Virginia. In this role, you will develop and optimize lab-scale processes, build and evaluate prototypes, and generate technical learnings that help advance early-stage oral nicotine concepts toward feasibility, regulatory readiness, and commercialization.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop and optimize lab-scale processing approaches, including material handling and fabrication techniques, to translate early concepts into feasible product formats.
  • Plan and execute rapid prototyping studies to build, test, and iterate oral nicotine concepts against targeted product performance attributes.
  • Apply ingredient selection, controlled-release approaches, and materials processing techniques to develop product prototypes with targeted performance attributes.
  • Perform analytical testing and material characterization to guide process adjustments and inform design iterations.
  • Establish and sustain lab-scale equipment, workflows, and capabilities that support rapid prototyping and early feasibility assessments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners and project teams to translate prototype learnings into technical recommendations and business decisions.
  • Document process innovations, experimental learnings, and technical findings to support knowledge capture and intellectual property protection.

We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, food science, pharmaceutical science, or related discipline.
  • Product development, formulation, or applied research experience: BS 4+ years, MS 2+ years, or PhD 0+ years.
  • Hands-on experience with analytical testing, material characterization, and data interpretation for product or process development.
  • Knowledge of food or pharmaceutical processing, formulation development, ingredient functionality, and experimental data analysis.
  • Laboratory experience handling hazardous chemicals, including nicotine, with appropriate safety practices and controls highly preferred.
  • Strong execution, collaboration, communication, and prioritization skills in a fast-moving technical project environment.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $91,500.00 - $132,750.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where connection and flexibility meet - enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday), while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Our hybrid approach empowers you to stay connected, collaborate with colleagues, and manage your schedule in a way that works best for you.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus.
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary.
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life.
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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