ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Polymer Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA

Kodiak Sciences is a fast-growing clinical-stage biotechnology company with a strong focus in ... We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA

Kodiak Sciences is a fast-growing clinical-stage biotechnology company with a strong focus in ... We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Description Kodiak Sciences is a fast-growing clinical-stage biotechnology company with a strong ... We are seeking a Polymer Chemist to join our Polymer Sciences Team, Department of Chemistry. The ...

Verde Bioresins, Inc

Polymer Chemist

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Verde Bioresins, Inc? is an innovative material science company with the mission of creating ... Polymer Chemist will be responsible for formulating and testing new bio-based polymers and ...

Corning

Senior Scientist - Polymer Mechanics

Corning, NY

$75K - $103K/yr

PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. * Demonstrated research experience in polymer characterization ...

Corning

Senior Scientist - Polymer Mechanics

Corning, NY

$77K - $106K/yr

PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. * Demonstrated research experience in polymer characterization ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolymer Scientist Jobs

Polymer Scientist information

See salary details

$58.5K

$87.8K

$123.5K

How much do polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer scientist 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 Does a Polymer Scientist Do?

A polymer scientist designs new materials, such as cellulose, rubber, Kevlar, and Teflon, which are then used to make products. They work in a lab setting with a team of researchers, trying different formulations to create new polymers. As a polymer scientist, your career responsibilities and duties include understanding how materials will react with one another, whether they are safe for use by humans, and any risks they might pose to the environment. To become a polymer scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in polymer science, organic chemistry, or a related field. Many higher-level jobs require a master’s degree or doctorate and several years of experience in the field.

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. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in polymer chemistry or materials science can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Many positions also require knowledge of laboratory techniques and relevant certifications.

What are Polymer Scientists?

Polymer scientists are professionals who study the chemical, physical, and engineering properties of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units. They research, develop, and test new polymer materials for use in various industries such as plastics, textiles, electronics, and biomedical devices. Their work often involves improving the performance, durability, and sustainability of polymer-based products. Polymer scientists may work in laboratories, manufacturing, or academic settings, collaborating with chemists, engineers, and manufacturers to create innovative materials.

What are some common challenges faced by Polymer Scientists when developing new materials, and how are they typically addressed?

Polymer Scientists often encounter challenges related to balancing material properties such as strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance while ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability for production. Additionally, meeting regulatory standards and environmental concerns, such as recyclability, can be complex. These challenges are usually addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration with chemists, engineers, and manufacturing teams, as well as by staying updated on the latest research and advancements in polymer technology. Experimentation and iterative testing are also crucial parts of the daily workflow to refine material properties.

What are the 4 types of polymers?

Polymer scientists work with four main types of polymers: thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers, and biopolymers. These categories are distinguished by their molecular structure and how they respond to heat and stress, influencing their processing and applications in industries such as manufacturing and materials development.

What does a polymer scientist do?

A polymer scientist researches and develops polymers and plastics, studying their properties, structures, and applications. They often work in laboratories, using techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy, and may design new materials for industries such as healthcare, packaging, or automotive. Strong knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and laboratory skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Polymer Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, and polymer characterization, usually supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as FTIR, NMR, DSC, and GPC, as well as experience using laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top professionals apart. These skills ensure successful research, development, and application of new polymer materials in industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

What is the difference between Polymer Scientist vs Polymer Engineer?

AspectPolymer ScientistPolymer Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic settingsManufacturing plants, production facilities, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, research institutions, materials companiesPlastic, packaging, automotive, consumer goods industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, scientific focusUnderstanding product development, manufacturing processes

Polymer Scientists focus on researching and developing new polymers and understanding their properties, often working in labs and academic settings. Polymer Engineers apply this knowledge to design, optimize, and scale manufacturing processes for polymer products in industrial environments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

Which type of scientist is the highest paid?

Among scientists, petroleum engineers and data scientists tend to have the highest average salaries, often exceeding those of polymer scientists. Polymer scientists typically earn competitive wages, especially with advanced degrees and industry experience, but generally do not surpass the highest-paid scientific roles like petroleum or data science specialists.
More about Polymer Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Polymer Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Polymer Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Polymer Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Polymer Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Polymer Scientist jobs? The top employers for Polymer Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Polymer Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Polymer Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Polymer Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Polymer Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Polymer Scientist jobs? For Polymer Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. 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.

Senior Polymer Scientist / Engineer - product development, coatings

InnoTech Staffing

Malden, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

InnoTECH Staffing is looking to hire a fulltime / permanent Senior Polymer Scientist / Engineer for an advanced materials late stage start-up company in the Greater Boston area.

Candidates must be able to work onsite 5 days a week and must be a US Citizen or Greencard holder.

We are looking for a Senior Polymer Scientist to join our talented and diverse technical team.

This position will focus on developing new platform technologies for environmental protection and implementing at our customers around the world.

About this role
M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Materials Science

Responsibilities for this role include:
● Developing functional materials, test methods, and implementation solutions for addressing environmental protection of electric vehicles, ADAS systems, and consumer electronics.
● Maintaining project plans, timelines, and deliverables for staying accountable on product launch strategy.
● Communicating technical advances and project strategy internally across a global team comprising technical team members and sales.
● Working autonomously on open-ended projects ranging from new coating development to creation of novel application techniques.
● Expanding Company's intellectual property portfolio by innovating on current or new coatings and application technology.
● Serving as the subject matter expert on coatings under development and participating in developing strategy for implementing coating solutions for customers.
● Collaborating effectively with various functions within Company like sales, technical services, manufacturing, and operations on new product launch.
● Mentoring technicians and co-ops on execution of experiments towards coating development.

Previous industry or research experience development of coatings preferred.

Fluency in Mandarin, Spanish, or German is preferred but not required.
Candidates must be legally allowed to work in the US.

** International and domestic travel is required. Approx 1 trip per quarter.

Salary is up to $130K base plus full benefits including health, dental, vacation, holidays, paid paternal leave etc.