Senior Polymer Research Scientist

G-3 Chickadee; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

G-3 Chickadee in Akron, OH is seeking a Senior Polymer Research Scientist to drive new technology development and IP creation, leading projects from bench to commercialization. The role requires deep expertise in polymer synthesis and industrial R&D leadership.

You will design and execute polymer synthesis programs, mentor scientists, and coordinate cross-functional teams across R&D, operations, and commercial groups to translate science into market-ready products.

Qualifications

• PhD is required in a relevant field (organic/polymer/materials).
• 3+ years of industrial R&D experience with IP generation.
• Experience in designing and leading polymer R&D programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymer synthesis programs at the bench; maintain rigorous documentation and lab notebook standards.
• Lead assigned R&D projects end-to-end: planning, milestone management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers; contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and collaboration.
• Represent R&D in cross-functional teams and, as appropriate, with external customers or partners.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Structure-property-processing

Polymer characterization

IP generation experience

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

PhD in Polymer Science

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

GPC/SEC

DSC

TGA

NMR

FTIR

Rheology

Job description

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Senior Polymer Research Scientist

Full Time Akron, OH, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1053

We are seeking a senior polymer research scientist to drive new technology development, generate intellectual property, and lead projects from the bench through commercialization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in polymer or chemical synthesis, a track record of product development in an industrial R&D setting, and the scientific leadership to influence technical direction across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams

What You Will Do

• Design and execute polymer synthesis programs at the bench; maintain rigorous documentation and lab notebook standards.
• Lead assigned R&D projects end-to-end: planning, milestone management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers; contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and collaboration.
• Represent R&D in cross-functional teams and, as appropriate, with external customers or partners.

What You Bring

• Expertise in polymer synthesis, including chain-growth and/or step-growth polymerization mechanisms.
• Strong command of structure-property-processing relationships in polymeric systems.
• Proficiency in standard polymer characterization techniques (GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, rheology, NMR, FTIR, etc.).
• Track record of generating intellectual property; patent filing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in new product development and/or cross-functional commercialization activities
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Required

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Materials Science or related fields required.
• 3+ years of industrial R&D experience; demonstrated record of IP generation.

Preferred

• Ziegler-Natta and/or anionic polymerization experience strongly preferred. Rubber or elastomer experience a plus.
• Experience with rubber or elastomer systems (e.g., EPDM, SBR, NR, BR, or specialty rubbers).
• Exposure to compounding, vulcanization, or rubber processing is a plus.
• Experience presenting to or collaborating with external customers, suppliers, or academic partners.
• Proficiency with DOE (Design of Experiments) and statistical data analysis tools.