PhD Polymer Scientist

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Eastman is seeking a recent 2026/2027 PhD graduate for a Polymer Chemist/Scientist role in Kingsport, TN. You will develop innovative and sustainable polymer solutions, work with scientists, engineers, and technicians across lab, pilot, and commercial scales, and contribute to market-driven products.

The position emphasizes experimental focus, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the creation of publishable technical work. Eastman values safety, sustainability, and impactful research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Practical knowledge of polymer synthesis/ mechanisms and lab experimentation techniques.
• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships and polymer characterization.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with applications, R&D, manufacturing, and marketing to address customer needs with technical solutions.
• Design and execute experiments to develop polymer compositions and architectures; translate into work plans.
• Elucidate process conditions for scale-up and manufacturing of polymers.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and direct technicians on technical projects.
• Prepare reports and communicate findings to production, marketing, and related functions.
• Write patents, technical literature, and presentations; liaise with external research as needed.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Laboratory experimentation

Hazard awareness

Effective communication

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Job description

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Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com .

Responsibilities

**Please note – This posting is for recent or upcoming PhD graduates to join our team in 2027. PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027**

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Polymer Chemist/Scientist with an experimental focus to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a member of a high-performing team, this individual will be responsible for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for new and existing processes and products. The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at the lab, pilot and/or commercial scale to meet market demands.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with partner functions, such as applications R&D, manufacturing, marketing and business partners to understand customer needs and provide commercially viable technical solutions.
• Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to reduce application fitness-for-use criteria to fundamental polymer characteristics leading to design, preparation, and assessment of novel polymer compositions & architectures.
• Develop research plans and design experiments to prepare, characterize and evaluate polymers according to company’s timetable and translate into detailed technical work plans for safe and effective execution of process chemistry or new product or application development
• Elucidate and recommend process conditions and parameters for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing polymer compositions.
• Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions
• Write patents, technical market support literature, technical presentations, and publications, including internal research for publication, and provide support/liaison for external research conducted in line with the organization’s research strategy
• Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with production, marketing, sales, and related functions
• Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to execute on technical projects, including directing the work of technicians

Qualifications

• Required Degree: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with chemistries being explored and take appropriate actions
• Demonstrated practical knowledge of polymer synthesis /mechanisms in organic chemistry or polymer engineering, and laboratory experimentation techniques.
• Effective working knowledge of structure - property relationships and polymer characterization techniques.
• General working knowledge of applications, processing methods, formulations and additives for engineering plastics, films, coatings and adhesives.
• Knowledge of physical properties, especially mechanical properties of polymeric materials
• Demonstrated creativity and desire to solve challenging and complex problems with hands‑on approach
• Passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of complex chemistries and processes.
• Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers.
• Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize.
• Injection molding or extrusion experience preferred but not required.

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax‑free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial‑planning tools, family‑building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long‑term savings.

Time Away

• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.

Growth & Development

• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engagedworkplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville