Organic Polymer Chemist

Actalent; Windsor (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Windsor, CT is seeking a Senior Polymer Chemist to lead design, synthesis, and characterization of polymeric materials, adhesives, elastomers, and surfactant-based technologies. You will drive projects from concept to commercialization with rigorous experimental programs.

The role requires a Ph.D. in polymer/organic chemistry or materials science, deep expertise in polymer synthesis and properties, and strong communication to translate findings into commercially viable solutions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in polymer/organic chemistry or materials science.
• Extensive expertise in polymer synthesis and structure–property relationships.
• Deep knowledge of silicones, adhesives, elastomers, and surfactant chemistry.
• Experience translating research into commercially viable products.
• Strong statistical analysis and DOE experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers and related technologies.
• Investigate structure–property–function relationships to understand performance.
• Develop formulations optimizing performance, manufacturability, cost, and IP position.
• Design and run experiments using rigorous methods and DOE.
• Collaborate with engineering/manufacturing to move concepts to commercial products.
• Build relationships with suppliers and partners to accelerate innovation.
• Identify emerging technologies and growth opportunities aligned with strategy.
• Communicate results through technical reports and presentations.
• Support patent filings and invention disclosures.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of experiments and conclusions.
• Support scale-up, field validation, and commercialization of new products.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Structure–property relationships

Materials characterization

DOE & statistics

IP generation

Independent R&D

Cross-functional collaboration

Chemical/mechanical testing

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Materials Science background

Job description

Job Title: Senior Polymer Chemist

Senior Polymer Chemist

Job Description

This role leads the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials, adhesives, elastomers, and surfactant-based technologies. You will drive innovation from concept through commercialization by developing advanced formulations, understanding structure–property–function relationships, and partnering closely with cross-functional teams. The position requires a blend of deep technical expertise, disciplined research execution, and the ability to translate scientific insights into commercially viable products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials, adhesives, elastomers, and surfactant-based technologies.

• Establish and deepen understanding of material performance by investigating structure–property–function relationships and application mechanisms.

• Develop innovative formulations that optimize technical performance, manufacturability, cost, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property position.

• Design and execute experimental programs using rigorous scientific methods, Design of Experiments (DOE) principles, and advanced statistical analysis.

• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to advance technologies from concept to commercialization.

• Build productive relationships with external chemical suppliers, research partners, and customers to accelerate innovation and product deployment.

• Provide technical leadership in identifying emerging technologies, new applications, and growth opportunities aligned with strategic objectives.

• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental results through technical reports, presentations, and actionable recommendations.

• Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent support, and the development of proprietary technologies.

• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized records of experimental procedures, results, analyses, and conclusions.

• Support scale-up activities, field validation, and commercialization of new products and technologies.

• Work independently in a disciplined and innovative manner to progress multiple projects simultaneously.

Essential Skills

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.

• Extensive expertise in polymer synthesis, polymer structure–property relationships, and materials characterization.

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of silicones, adhesives, elastomers, and surfactant chemistry.

• Demonstrated experience developing novel polymeric materials from concept through validation and commercialization.

• Deep understanding of chemical, thermal, mechanical, and physical testing methodologies.

• Significant experience applying advanced statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven decision-making techniques.

• Proven track record of technical innovation, complex problem-solving, and intellectual property generation.

• Ability to conduct rigorous research and development in organic chemistry and polymer chemistry.

• Capability to work independently with innovation, discipline, and strong self-management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and customers.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports and delivering presentations.

• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with external research partners and chemical suppliers.

• Experience supporting patent applications, invention disclosures, and development of proprietary technologies.

• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific insights into commercially relevant solutions.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role with a Monday through Friday schedule and flexible hours based on candidate preference. Typical start times range from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., with corresponding end times between about 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The position operates in a research and development environment focused on polymer chemistry, materials science, and related testing activities, requiring careful documentation and adherence to scientific rigor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Windsor, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Lifetime Benefit Maximum Unlimited Unlimited Annual Deductible $2,000 single / $4,000 family $4,000 single / $8,000 family Annual Out‐of‐Pocket Maximum (includes deductible) $3,000 single / $6,000 family $6,500 single / $13,000 family Coinsurance 10% 30% DOCTOR’S OFFICE Primary Care Office Visit 10% after deductible 30% after deductible Specialist Office Visit (including Urgent Care) 10% after deductible 30% after deductible Wellness Care (routine exams, x‐rays/tests, immunizations, well baby care and mammograms) Plan pays 100% Not Covered PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Retail—(30‐day supply) Generic / Formulary Brand / Non‐Formulary Brand After Deductible: $5 / $25 / $40 50% after deductible Retail —(90‐day supply) Generic / Formulary Brand / Non‐Formulary Brand After Deductible: $15 / $75 / $120 50% after deductible Mail Order—(90‐day supply) Generic / Formulary Brand / Non‐Formulary Brand After Deductible: $10 / $50 / $80 50% after deductible HOSPITAL SERVICES Emergency Room 10% after deductible 10% after deductible Inpatient Surgery 10% after deductible 30% after deductible Outpatient Surgery 10% after deductible 30% after deductible MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Inpatient Services 10% after deductible 30% after deductible Outpatient Services 10% after deductible 30% after deductibl

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Windsor,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.