Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: R&D Polymer Chemist
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated R&D Polymer Chemist to develop innovative polymer chemistries tailored for the industrial processing industry. The role demands collaboration with internal teams and external chemical partners to create specialized, application-specific products.
Responsibilities
- Synthesize and characterize novel polymeric adhesives, focusing on structure/property relationships.
- Enhance the understanding of application mechanisms of action.
- Select and test elastomeric porous structures and surface active agents to maximize performance.
- Develop formulation approaches that optimize efficacy, costs, intellectual property, and regulatory and safety compliance.
- Align concept development with application-specific requirements.
- Collaborate closely with a cross-functional technical team to develop, test, and scale-up a variety of polymeric and surface active products.
- Identify new growth opportunities within the field.
- Conduct performance testing using experimental design and protocols, including data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
- Maintain detailed records of experiments, results, and conclusions.
Essential Skills
- PhD in Polymer Chemistry or a Masters or Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of industry experience.
- Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of silicones, adhesives, elastomeric materials, and surfactant chemistry.
- Proficiency in the synthesis of novel polymeric materials.
- Understanding of chemical, thermal, mechanical, and physical testing methods.
- Experience with laboratory synthesis and characterization of silicone chemistry, adhesives, elastomeric materials, and surfactant chemistry.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Ability to travel as needed to support the commercialization of new products.
- Capability to work safely within various laboratory settings.
- Self-starter with high motivation toward achievements and results.
- Strong ability to plan and organize multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
- Effective both individually and in team settings.
- Solid record-keeping skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills, including MS Office.
Work Environment
The position is based in a research and development environment, requiring collaboration with both internal teams and external partners. The role involves working in laboratory settings and possibly other facilities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. A professional dress code is maintained, aligning with the industrial processing industry's standards.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $70.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wallingford,CT.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2025.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.