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Polymer Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning and connects organic chemistry to drug synthesis and polymer science. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with second-semester organic chemistry ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Physics, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD strongly preferred Experience * 5+ years ...

MS/BS degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical-Packaging Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and/or related fields Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Packaging, Innovation ...

Showing results 21-40

Polymer Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$60.3K

$90.6K

$127.3K

How much do polymer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science in Chicago, IL is $90,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $103,100.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Polymer Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Science jobs in Chicago, IL? For Polymer Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Polymer Science job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $90,562 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Varsity Tutors

Wheaton, IL • Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 23 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Organic Chemistry tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Organic Chemistry Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of IUPAC nomenclature, functional groups, stereochemistry (chirality, R/S configuration, E/Z isomers), reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, E2, addition, elimination), spectroscopy (NMR, IR, mass spec), and organic synthesis. Ability to explain resonance, electron-pushing formalism, and retrosynthetic analysis for undergraduate and pre-medical students.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching mechanism arrow-pushing, identifying nucleophiles and electrophiles, and predicting reaction products. Guides students through structure determination from spectral data, multi-step synthesis planning, and stereochemical analysis. Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with organic chemistry curricula and common challenges including stereochemistry visualization, mechanism memorization, and NMR interpretation. Adapts instruction using molecular model kits, reaction flowcharts, spectroscopy practice, and MCAT-style problems to support pre-med, chemistry, and pharmaceutical science students.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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