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Polymer Synthesis Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Verdox, Inc

Focus on developing and optimizing synthetic protocols for cost-effective polymer synthesis and purification at the multi-kilogram scale and beyond * Perform and interpret the physical, chemical, and ...

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Polymer Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Develop an automated synthesis system for high throughput formulation screening and validation. * Design and execute DOEs to establish key polymer structure-property-performance correlations.

1X

Chemical Engineer, Polymer Coatings

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$200 - $248/hr

Hands-on laboratory expertise with polymer synthesis, material characterization, and experimental design * Practical knowledge of coatings, polymer processing, surface preparation, adhesion, and ...

Syensqo

Polymer Chemist II

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$67K - $77K/yr

Execute polymer synthesis and process development experiments. * Support scale-up of resin processes from laboratory to pilot-scale manufacturing. * Evaluate and qualify new and alternative raw ...

Syensqo

Polymer Chemist II

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$67K - $77K/yr

Execute polymer synthesis and process development experiments. * Support scale-up of resin processes from laboratory to pilot-scale manufacturing. * Evaluate and qualify new and alternative raw ...

PPG

Lead Synthesis Chemist

Burbank, CA

Success requires organic and polymer synthesis skills and the ability to collaborate to accomplish projects. You will report to the Senior Manager, Adhesives and Polymers at our Burbank, CA facility.

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All JobsPolymer Synthesis Jobs

Polymer Synthesis information

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$50.5K

$89.3K

$155K

How much do polymer synthesis jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer synthesis in the United States is $89,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is polymer synthesis?

Polymer synthesis is the process of creating polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating structural units called monomers. This process can involve a variety of chemical reactions, such as addition and condensation polymerization, to combine small molecules into long chains or networks. Polymer synthesis is fundamental in producing materials like plastics, rubbers, fibers, and resins, which are used in countless everyday products. Professionals working in polymer synthesis often focus on designing new materials with specific physical and chemical properties for industrial, medical, or technological applications.

What skills and qualifications are needed for polymer synthesis?

To thrive as a Polymer Synthesis Specialist, you need a solid background in organic and polymer chemistry, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation (such as NMR, GPC, FTIR), and safety protocols is critical, and certifications in laboratory safety may be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in research and collaborative environments. These competencies ensure accurate synthesis, effective troubleshooting, and the successful development of innovative polymer materials.

What challenges do professionals in polymer synthesis face, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Polymer Synthesis often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise reaction conditions, ensuring product purity, and scaling up from laboratory to industrial production. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with advanced analytical techniques, and effective communication with cross-functional teams like process engineers and quality assurance. Staying updated on the latest developments in polymer chemistry and regularly participating in training can also help address technical issues more efficiently.

What is the difference between Polymer Synthesis vs Polymer Characterization?

AspectPolymer SynthesisPolymer Characterization
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on chemical reactions and material developmentLaboratories analyzing material properties and structure
Industry UsageDeveloping new polymers and materialsAssessing properties and quality of polymers
Common Search/ComparisonPolymer Synthesis vs Polymer Characterization

Polymer Synthesis involves creating new polymers through chemical reactions, focusing on developing materials with specific properties. Polymer Characterization, on the other hand, analyzes the properties and structure of existing polymers to ensure quality and performance. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but serve different stages in polymer development and testing.

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Polymer Synthesis jobs near you
Infographic showing various Polymer Synthesis job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,329 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Scientist, Polymer Synthesis

VioNano Innovations, Inc.

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 17 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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