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Polymer Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

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 ...

HOYA Vision Care

Metrology Scientist

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$90K/yr

We are currently hiring a Metrology Scientist in our Ramsey, MN location! Salary Range: $90K+ What ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

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 ...

HOYA Vision Care

Metrology Scientist

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$90K/yr

We are currently hiring a Metrology Scientist in our Ramsey, MN location! Salary Range: $90K+ What ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

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 ...

Hoya

Metrology Scientist

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$90K/yr

We are currently hiring a Metrology Scientist in our Ramsey, MN location! Salary Range: $90K+ What ... Experience with polymer or materials characterization techniques such as GPC/SEC and DSC.

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Polymer Scientist information

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$58.5K

$87.8K

$123.5K

How much do polymer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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.

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 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.

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Polymer Scientist jobs near you
Applied Surfactant & Polymer R&D Scientist

Applied Surfactant & Polymer R&D Scientist

W3Global Inc.

Calhoun, GA

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Ready to build what's next?

Do you enjoy taking a blank page, reviewing the literature, and crafting a formulation that scales from bench to plant? Can you move between FTIR spectra, GCMS traces, and HPLC chromatograms as comfortably as you lead an MOC discussion? If so, this role is for you.

What you will do

Design and execute syntheses and analyses for routine and developmental products at the direction of the Technical Director, commercial team, and senior leadership (SLT).

Perform literature searches to inform and accelerate new product development within Polyventive's Technology Department.

Contribute both individually and on teams; create clear technical documentation.

Own scale-up: prepare lab-made products for pilot and full manufacturing, carrying responsibility from project start through plant scale-up while growing toward technical leadership.

Provide on-call technical and plant support; lead or participate in meetings for new product introductions and MOC's.

Maintain an organized, safe laboratory; set the standard for housekeeping and compliance.

Direct and mentor R&D and QC technicians as needed.

What you'll need to succeed

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/training.

3+ years' experience in surfactant and polymer synthesis/formulation/structure-activity relationships spanning at least two sectors: textiles, HI&I, O&G, adhesives, or coatings.

3+ years with FTIR, GCMS, HPLC.

Excellent computer proficiency and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006

View All W3Global Jobs