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Polymer Science Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Senior Managing Scientist

Natick, MA · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Leveraging deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions. * Identifying ...

Leveraging deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions. * Identifying ...

Senior Managing Scientist

Natick, MA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Leveraging deep knowledge in polymer science to address a wide range of complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions. * Identifying ...

D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, with at least 2-5 years of industry experience * Deep understanding of polymer structure ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers, we'd love to hear from you. We're currently seeking an R&D Polymer Chemist to join our ...

R&D Polymer Chemist

Amesbury, MA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers, we'd love to hear from you. We're currently seeking an R&D Polymer Chemist to join our ...

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers, we'd love to hear from you. We're currently seeking an R&D Polymer Chemist to join our ...

... scientists at Harvard. Think Star Trek Replicator. Veteran entrepreneurs guide the company with a ... D. polymer chemist to design, synthesize and characterize innovative oligomeric/polymeric ...

... scientists at Harvard. Think Star Trek Replicator. Veteran entrepreneurs guide the company with a ... D. polymer chemist to design, synthesize and characterize innovative oligomeric/polymeric ...

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

D. program in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Ceramics, Design, or Data Science or other related technical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Polymer Science information

See Massachusetts salary details

$63.9K

$95.9K

$134.9K

How much do polymer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science in Massachusetts is $95,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is polymer science?

A Polymer Science job involves researching, developing, and testing polymers—large molecules used in plastics, coatings, adhesives, and other materials. Professionals in this field work in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing to improve product performance and sustainability. They may focus on polymer synthesis, processing, or applications, often collaborating with engineers and chemists.

What are the typical responsibilities in polymer science?

Professionals in Polymer Science often spend their days designing and conducting experiments to synthesize and characterize new polymer materials, analyzing data, and documenting results. You may also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as product development, engineering, and quality assurance to ensure that materials meet performance and safety standards. Regular tasks can include troubleshooting manufacturing processes, staying up-to-date with scientific literature, and presenting findings to stakeholders. This role offers a dynamic work environment, balancing independent research with teamwork, and often provides significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

What jobs can you get with a polymer science degree?

A polymer science degree can lead to careers such as polymer scientist, materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development specialist. These roles often involve working in laboratories, manufacturing environments, or research and development settings, utilizing skills in chemistry, materials characterization, and testing methods.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a viable career for those interested in materials research, development, and manufacturing. It typically requires a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or engineering, and offers opportunities in industries such as plastics, biomedical devices, and coatings. Job prospects depend on industry demand, education level, and technical skills like laboratory techniques and data analysis.

What does a polymer scientist do?

A polymer scientist researches and develops polymers and related materials, focusing on their chemical properties, structure, and applications. They often work in laboratories, using techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy, and may collaborate with industries such as plastics, textiles, or biomedical fields to create new materials or improve existing ones.

How much do polymer scientists make?

Polymer scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced skills in polymer characterization, research, and development, as well as industry sector and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed in polymer science?

To excel in Polymer Science, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced studies. Familiarity with polymer characterization tools (such as FTIR, DSC, and GPC), laboratory protocols, and data analysis software is crucial for experimental and analytical work. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities are important to ensure successful research, development, and collaboration in creating and improving polymer materials for a variety of industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts? For Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Science jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Polymer Science jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Polymer Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Polymer Science job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,935 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Scientist, Polymer Synthesis

VioNano Innovations, Inc.

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Location: Cambridge, MA (The Engine, MIT.nano, and Harvard’s Center for Nanoscale Systems)
Job Type: Full-time
The Opportunity

We\'re hiring a Scientist specializing in Polymer Synthesis to join the product development team alongside our CTO, Phil Hustad (PhD Cornell, 24 years at Dow and 3M, 150+ patents). This is a hands‑on lab role where you\'ll own the architectural design, synthesis, and molecular characterization of VioNano’s core polymer platforms. You will have real ownership over experimental direction and synthetic strategies, translating novel chemical concepts into scalable, qualified materials that define our commercial path. If you want to do high‑impact work in an environment where your synthetic expertise is directly visible, this is that job.


What you\'ll do
Advanced Synthesis:

Design and execute complex polymer syntheses using advanced techniques, including anionic and controlled free radical polymerizations, to achieve precise architectures, ultra‑narrow molecular weight distributions, and targeted end‑group chemistry.


Characterization:

Run and interpret rigorous polymer characterization experiments (including GPC/SEC, NMR, MALDI-TOF, and thermal analysis) to validate polymer structure and purity.


Scale-Up & Collaboration:

Drive the transition of successful synthetic routes from bench‑scale exploration to larger R&D quantities, collaborating closely with external contract research organizations (CROs) and internal formulation teams.


Strategic Input:

Partner directly with the CTO to define experimental roadmaps, build IP documentation, and establish repeatable laboratory workflows.


What We\'re Looking For
Required:
Education:

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated capability through industry experience (we\'ll consider exceptional candidates without a PhD who have a strong track record).


Synthetic Mastery:

Deep, hands‑on academic expertise in advanced living or controlled polymerization techniques, specifically anionic polymerization and/or controlled free radical methods (RAFT, ATRP, etc.).


Analytical Rigor:

Proven track record of utilizing advanced characterization tools (GPC, NMR, etc.) to elucidate complex polymer structures.


Resourcefulness:

Comfortable working at lab scale in an agile, early‑stage environment where you can creatively design experiments with limited equipment to yield meaningful results.


Communication:

Strong scientific communication skills, with the ability to write clear experimental reports and present findings to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.


Strongly Preferred:
Polymer Physics:

A strong foundational understanding of polymer physics (e.g., chain thermodynamics, phase separation, thin‑film behavior, or surface dynamics) to help guide material design.


Semiconductor Industry Context:

Familiarity with electronic materials, semiconductor lithography, or surface modification chemistry.


Mindset:

Prior startup experience or a proactive, self‑directed working style where you thrive on solving unmapped technical problems.


What kind of person thrives here:

You\'re someone who is energized by working in a space where the answers aren\'t known yet. You take ownership of problems rather than waiting for direction. You\'re rigorous but pragmatic. You know when a perfect result is worth waiting for and when a good‑enough result unblocks the next step. You want to see your work matter, and you want to work with people who are genuinely excellent.


Why Join VioNano?

The opportunity to be one of the first scientists at a company doing genuinely new work in semiconductor materials


Direct collaboration with a world‑class technical founding team


Daily access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities at The Engine and MIT.nano


Competitive salary and meaningful early‑stage equity


Cambridge, MA location — on‑site (lab work requires physical presence)

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