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Polymer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Polymer information

See Hawaii salary details

$52.5K

$92.8K

$161K

How much do polymer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for polymer in Hawaii is $92,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polymer?

A Polymer job typically involves working with synthetic or natural polymers in research, development, production, or quality control. Professionals in this field may be chemists, engineers, or technicians who design, test, and optimize polymer materials for various applications, such as plastics, coatings, adhesives, and composites. Their work is essential in industries like automotive, healthcare, packaging, and electronics. Responsibilities may include formulating new materials, improving existing products, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Polymer Scientist or Engineer, a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced certification. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, polymer synthesis techniques, and analytical tools such as FTIR, DSC, or GPC is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and strong collaboration abilities help individuals excel in both research and industrial settings. Mastering these skills and qualifications ensures innovation, safe material design, and successful project outcomes in the competitive field of polymer science.

What are the typical career advancement paths for professionals in polymer science or engineering roles?

Polymer professionals often start in research, product development, or quality control positions and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or technical leader roles as they gain experience. With additional education or specialized training, opportunities in management, consulting, or regulatory affairs are also common. Many companies support professional development through conferences, certifications, and advanced degrees, facilitating growth into leadership positions. Joining multidisciplinary teams or working on high-impact projects can further accelerate career progression, making this field dynamic and full of opportunities for advancement.

Is polymer science a good career?

Polymer science is a specialized field focused on the development and application of polymer materials, often requiring a background in chemistry or materials science. Careers in this area can offer opportunities in research, manufacturing, and product development, with roles typically involving laboratory work and technical skills. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual qualifications, with some positions requiring advanced degrees or certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Polymer jobs in Hawaii?

For Polymer jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Polymer jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Polymer jobs in Hawaii are:

Infographic showing various Polymer job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,810 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Organic Polymer Chemistry (#0084235)

Honolulu, HI • On-site


University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2025-02134
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Natural Sciences - Chemistry
Opening Date: 10/07/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Number:: 0084235
Description
Title: Assistant Professor, F3
Position Number: 0084235
Hiring Unit: College of Natural Science, Department of Chemistry
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: October 7, 2025
Closing Date: Continuous recruitment until position is filled. Review of applications will begin on November 3, 2025.
Salary Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Monthly Type: 9 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Funding: General Funds
Other Conditions:
This position is permanent, full-time (9-month), general funded, and tenure-track to begin approximately August 1, 2026 or as soon thereafter as possible. Review of applications will be on November 3, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants who are ABD (all but dissertation) will be reviewed; however, degree requirements must be met by effective date of appointment.
Candidates are expected to establish a productive, externally funded research program in an area of Organic Polymer Chemistry and contribute to undergraduate and graduate Organic Chemistry teaching within the Chemistry Department. Research that is responsive to the strategic needs of the State of Hawaii and synergizes with existing areas of interest within the department and university will receive special consideration. Current faculty research interests can be found at:
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Teach assigned undergraduate and graduate courses.
  • Direct the research activities of undergraduate and graduate students in an area of chemistry.
  • Participate on committees in charge of candidates for advanced degrees.
  • Conduct research or undertake comparable scholarly activity.
  • Serve on department and university committees.
  • Perform related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  1. Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing.
  2. Demonstrated ability as a teacher.
  3. Demonstrated scholarly achievement.
  4. Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.

Desirable Qualifications
  1. Graduate and/or postdoctoral research in organic polymer chemistry or a closely related field.
  2. At least two years of postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent).
  3. Demonstrated ability to effectively teach organic chemistry courses.
  4. Demonstrated ability to effectively mentor a population of undergraduate and graduate students of various backgrounds.
  5. Evidence of research productivity and potential for establishing a vigorous, funded research program in organic polymer chemistry.
  6. Research interests that are responsive to the strategic needs of the University and the State of Hawai'i.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach as a single pdf all of the required documents listed below:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculumvitae, includingpublicationlist.
  • Statements that explain your research interests (max. 5 pages).
  • A statement of teaching philosophy or innovative teaching strategies (max. 1 page).
  • A one-page summary of startup requirements (with major equipment needs and an approximate budget), excluding personnel costs.
  • Names and contact information (including email addresses & phone numbers) of at least three professional references. At least one of these references should be your current supervisor or an acceptable substitute with close knowledge of your current research program.

Official transcripts with proof of degree conferred will be required upon hire.
Inquiries: Prof. Marcus Tius, Department of Chemistry, tius@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

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About University of Hawaii

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907


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