Where is the Polymer Research Scientist role at Airswift based?

This role is based in Akron, OH.

How many years of experience does this Polymer Research Scientist role require?

The posting calls for at least 3 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Polymer Research Scientist role work with?

polymers, monomers, specialty intermediates.

What techniques or methods are required for this Polymer Research Scientist role?

GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, rheology, NMR.

One of 8,260 open polymer and materials roles on Crosslinked, each read for materials, degree, visa and salary. See roles like this

Polymer Research Scientist

Airswift · Akron, OHyesterday

PhD-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $135k (155 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Lead polymer and molecule synthesis R&D from concept to commercialization, generating patents and mentoring junior scientists.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on polymer and monomer synthesis with ownership from concept to commercialization and patent generation, in rubber-centric Akron.

Mostly at the benchTechnical lead Senior hires only Files patents regularlyWorks with universities

Core polymer role:Design and execute polymer synthesis programs; chain-growth/step-growth polymerization; GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, rheology; elastomers (EPDM, SBR) preferred

Seniority: Senior
Work: On-site
Type: Full-time
Degree: PhD
Experience: 3+ yrs
Industry: Chemicals
Role: R&D / Research

Materials

polymers565 roles monomers19 rolesspecialty intermediatesEPDM20 roles SBR2 roles natural rubber4 rolespolybutadiene

Techniques

GPC/SEC17 roles DSC207 roles TGA173 roles rheology146 roles NMR64 rolesZiegler-Natta polymerizationanionic polymerizationvulcanization

Role details

About the Opportunity

Airswift is seeking a

Senior Polymer Research Scientist

to lead new technology development, drive innovation, and generate intellectual property within a dynamic industrial R&D environment. This position is ideal for a scientist with deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, polymer synthesis, and new materials development , who can lead projects from early-stage research through commercialization.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on scientist who enjoys both

making molecules and making polymers

. They bring a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry, demonstrated success developing new materials in an industrial R&D environment, and a passion for converting scientific innovation into commercially impactful technologies.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of designing and synthesizing novel molecules and polymers, translating laboratory discoveries into commercial technologies, and influencing technical strategy across R&D, Operations, and Commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

Design, synthesize, and optimize novel molecules, monomers, intermediates, and polymeric materials to support new technology development.
Design and execute polymer synthesis programs at the bench while maintaining rigorous documentation and laboratory practices.
Lead R&D projects from concept to commercialization, including planning, milestone management, and risk mitigation.
Drive new product development and commercialization efforts in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Generate intellectual property through innovative research, patentable inventions, and patent filings.
Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and engineers.
Represent R&D in cross-functional initiatives and engage with external partners, customers, suppliers, and collaborators.
Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and innovation.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in

Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science , or a related discipline.

3+ years of post-PhD industrial R&D experience.
Demonstrated record of innovation and intellectual property generation.

Required Skills

Strong expertise in

synthetic organic chemistry and polymer synthesis

Proven experience designing and synthesizing new molecules, monomers, intermediates, and polymeric materials.
Expertise in chain-growth and/or step-growth polymerization.
Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory research into commercial products.
Proven track record of innovation, patent generation, and intellectual property development.
Strong understanding of structure-property-processing relationships in polymer systems.
Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques including GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, rheology, NMR, and FTIR.
Experience in new product development and commercialization activities.
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 elastomers).
Exposure to compounding, vulcanization, or rubber processing.
Experience collaborating with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and academic partners.
Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis.
Patent authorship and commercialization experience strongly preferred.