Polymer Research Scientist

Airswift; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift seeks a Senior Polymer Research Scientist to lead new technology development, drive innovation, and generate intellectual property. You will guide projects from early research through commercialization and shape technical strategy across R&D, Operations, and Commercial.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field with 5+ years of industrial R&D experience, a proven polymer synthesis track record, and strong collaboration

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of industrial R&D experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymer synthesis programs from bench to device
• Lead R&D projects end-to-end: planning, milestones, risk mitigation
• Drive product development and commercialization with cross-functional teams
• Generate intellectual property and patentable innovations
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists
• Represent R&D in cross-functional initiatives with external partners
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence and innovation

Skills

IP generation

Polymer synthesis

Structure-property-processing

New product development

Communication

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry / Polymer Science / Materials Science

Job description

Airswift is seeking a Senior Polymer Research Scientist to lead new technology development, drive innovation, and generate intellectual property. This position is ideal for a highly experienced scientist with deep expertise in polymer synthesis and industrial R&D, who can lead projects from early-stage research through commercialization. You will play a key role in shaping technical strategy and influencing cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, and Commercial.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymer synthesis programs at the bench, ensuring rigorous documentation and lab practices
• Lead R&D projects end-to-end, including planning, milestone tracking, and risk mitigation
• Drive new product development and commercialization efforts in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Generate intellectual property, including patentable innovations and filings
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and engineers
• Represent R&D in cross-functional initiatives and engage with external partners, customers, and collaborators
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related field
• 5+ years of industrial R&D experience

Required Skills

• Proven track record of IP generation and innovation
• Polymer synthesis (chain-growth and/or step-growth mechanisms)
• Structure-property-processing relationships in polymer systems
• Experience in new product development and commercialization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Ziegler-Natta and/or anionic polymerization
• Background in rubber or elastomer systems (e.g., EPDM, SBR, NR, BR, specialty rubbers)
• Exposure to compounding, vulcanization, or rubber processing
• Experience collaborating with external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, academic partners)
• Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis