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How much do polymer science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer science 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 job?

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 some typical responsibilities for someone working 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.

How much does a polymer scientist make?

The average salary for a polymer scientist typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this field often work in research and development, utilizing skills in chemistry, materials science, and laboratory techniques.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a viable career that involves researching and developing new polymer materials used in industries such as healthcare, packaging, and automotive. It typically requires a strong background in chemistry or materials science, with skills in laboratory work and data analysis. Job prospects depend on industry demand and geographic location, with opportunities in research institutions and manufacturing companies.

What does a polymer scientist do?

A polymer scientist researches and develops polymers and related materials, focusing on their chemical properties, synthesis, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Polymer Science position, and why are they important?

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 jobs can you get with a polymer chemistry degree?

A polymer science degree prepares individuals for roles such as polymer chemist, materials scientist, or research scientist in industries like plastics, rubber, and textiles. These jobs often involve developing new materials, quality testing, and using analytical tools like spectroscopy and chromatography, with some positions requiring laboratory skills and safety certifications.
More about Polymer Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Science jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Science jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Science jobs are:
What states have the most Polymer Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Science jobs are:
Polymer Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Principal Scientist - Polymer Rheology

Principal Scientist - Polymer Rheology

Avery Dennison

Mentor, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Avery Dennison rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 114 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Company Description
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide - including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.
At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:
  • Health & wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
  • Paid parental leave
  • 401K eligibility
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
  • Paid vacation and paid holidays

Job Description
Avery Dennison is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to provide technical leadership in Polymer Rheology and Processing within the Global Materials Science and Characterization (MSC) organization. This role combines deep scientific expertise, laboratory leadership and organizational capability building to advance the understanding of complex polymeric systems and accelerate innovation across Avery Dennison's global businesses.
The successful candidate will be recognized as a subject matter expert in polymer rheology, viscoelasticity, soft materials, polymer processing, with a proven ability to translate fundamental science into practical solutions for product development, manufacturing, quality and customer challenges. Working across pressure-sensitive adhesives, functional films, coatings and laminates, this individual will leverage structure-property-process relationships to solve critical technical problems, create new characterization approaches, and drive innovation.
In addition to technical excellence, this role requires a mature scientific leader who can mentor and develop scientists and technicians, guide technical priorities, strengthen organizational capabilities, and foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration and continuous learning.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as the global subject matter expert in polymer rheology, viscoelasticity and polymer processing
  • Lead the Rheology and Thermal Characterization Laboratory, establishing technical priorities and ensuring delivery of high-quality, impactful results aligned with business needs.
  • Mentor, coach, and develop scientists, engineers and technicians while fostering technical excellence and capability growth across the organization.
  • Conceive, develop and execute innovative experimental approaches to understand and predict material behavior under complex thermal, mechanical, chemical and processing conditions.
  • Lead experimental investigations into rheological and thermal behavior of adhesives (including emulsion, hot melts, rubbers, suspension, solvent), coatings, films, and related soft material systems and laminates.
  • Expertly connect mechanical response and processing behavior to the polymer composition, molecular weight and its distribution, architecture, network topology and fundamental properties using polymer physics scaling laws.
  • Evolve holistic sum total interpretation and guidance along with other analytical methods and subject matter experts.
  • Partner closely with R&D, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality and Operations teams globally to solve critical technical challenges and enable successful commercialization.
  • Drive the evolution of characterization capabilities through the identification, evaluation, and implementation of emerging analytical techniques and methodologies including custom purpose-built instrumentation to study a given phenomenon.
  • Oversee laboratory operations, instrumentation, budgets, and technical resources to ensure safe, efficient, and effective execution.
  • Communicate technical findings effectively through reports, presentations, publications, and technical reviews with internal and external stakeholders. Work in a manner to institutionalize knowledge through the development and curation of model-ready databases in support of the overall R&D digitalization strategy.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and scientific integrity.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of industrial experience in polymer rheology, soft materials characterization, polymer processing or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in rheological characterization of polymer melts, solutions, dispersions, adhesives and other viscoelastic soft materials.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with rotational, capillary and extensional rheometry, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA and related characterization techniques.
  • Proven ability to solve complex technical problems through the application of structure-process-property principles.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical and business stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience leading, mentoring, or developing scientists, engineers, and technical staff in an industrial R&D or analytical sciences environment.
  • Expertise applying rheology to guide polymer synthesis, adhesive development, extrusion, coating, converting, or high-speed web processing operations.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific leadership through publications, patents, conference presentations, or significant business impact.
  • Experience building laboratory capabilities, implementing new methodologies, and driving strategic technical initiatives.
  • Ability to operate effectively across fundamental science, product development, and manufacturing environments.
  • Experience in working within global cross-functional teams.
  • Less than 15% travel anticipated for this role.

Additional Information
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, Avery Dennison requires all final candidates to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a drug screening. These checks are conducted post-offer and are a condition of employment. All results will be considered in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Reasonable Accommodations Notice
If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440) 534-6000 or NA.TA.Operations@averydennison.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.
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