PhD Chemical Engineer - Pulp and Paper Science

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Medical insurance

Prescription-drug coverage

Dental coverage

Health Savings Account

Vision insurance

Optional life insurance

Critical-illness protection

Financial-planning tools

Family-building assistance

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) with company match

Annual retirement contribution

Paid holidays

Personal day

Paid time off

Paid vacation

Mentorship

Learning resources

Leadership programs

Job summary

Eastman in Kingsport, TN seeks a PhD-level Chem/Eng leader to drive development and scale-up of cellulose ester products from lab to full-scale manufacturing. You will optimise reaction systems, improve yield and quality, and scale plant operations while maintaining rigorous safety practices.

The role emphasizes process scale-up, fiber chemistry expertise, esterification, and leading pilot plant trials with data-driven decision making to deliver reliable performance and sustainable packaging

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology; graduating in 2026 or 2027.
• Expertise in fiber chemistry, esterification, and ability to execute complex plant trials.
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and scale-up from lab to full-scale manufacturing.
• Optimize reaction systems and plant operations to improve yield, quality, and capacity.
• Ensure safety practices and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Cellulose Ester Chemistry

Pulp and Paper Science

Process Scale-up

Fiber Modification

Coated Paper Development

Sustainable Packaging

Mill Process Optimization

Esterification Chemistry

Polymer Reaction Systems

Statistical Analysis

Six Sigma

Plant Trial Design

Pilot Plant Operations

Chemical Engineering

Data-driven Process Optimization

Technical Leadership

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology

Job description

Lead the development and scale-up of cellulose ester products from lab and pilot plant stages to full-scale manufacturing. Optimize reaction systems and plant operations to improve yield, quality, and capacity while ensuring strong safety practices.

Requirements

Requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field with a specific emphasis on Paper and Pulp Technology, graduating in 2026 or 2027. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in fiber chemistry, esterification, and the ability to execute complex plant trials.

Key Skills

Cellulose Ester Chemistry, Pulp and Paper Science, Process Scale-up, Fiber Modification, Coated Paper Development, Sustainable Packaging, Mill Process Optimization, Esterification Chemistry, Polymer Reaction Systems, Statistical Analysis, Six Sigma, Plant Trial Design, Pilot Plant Operations, Chemical Engineering, Data-driven Process Optimization, Technical Leadership

Benefits

• Performance-based incentive opportunities
• Medical insurance
• Prescription-drug coverage
• Dental coverage
• Health Savings Account
• Vision insurance
• Optional life insurance
• Critical-illness protection
• Financial-planning tools
• Family-building assistance
• Parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) with company match
• Annual retirement contribution
• Paid holidays
• Personal day
• Paid time off
• Paid vacation
• Mentorship
• Learning resources
• Leadership programs