Senior Polymer Materials Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement matching

Remote work stipend

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymer materials. You will work on applications ranging from composites to biomedical devices, translating discovery into products.

The role requires a PhD with 5+ years in polymer R&D, expertise in polymer synthesis and broad characterization techniques, and the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment. Flexible remote work is supported.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years post-doctoral or industry experience in polymer R&D.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis techniques (free radical, condensation, anionic).
• Strong experience with a wide range of material characterization methods.
• Ability to design and execute complex research projects independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with publications record.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymer materials with tailored properties.
• Characterize material properties using spectroscopy, thermal analysis, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design.
• Investigate polymerization mechanisms and reaction kinetics.
• Collaborate with product teams to ensure materials meet application requirements.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to project planning and strategy.
• Author technical reports, publications, and patent applications.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Materials characterization

Remote collaboration

Scientific publishing

Project leadership

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

NMR

FTIR

DSC/TGA

SEM/TEM

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymer materials. You will work on applications ranging from composites to biomedical devices, translating discovery into products.

The role requires a PhD with 5+ years in polymer R&D, expertise in polymer synthesis and broad characterization techniques, and the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment. Flexible remote work is supported.