CPS Inc
PhD Polymer Synthesis Chemist - New Grad/Post Doc
CPS Inc, Hopewell, Virginia, United States, 23860
PhD Polymer Synthesis Chemist - New Grad/Post Doc
Location:
Hopewell, VA, US Salary:
$85,000 - $100,000 per year Posted:
10/06/2025 Remote:
On-Site
Job Description In this Polymer Chemist role, you will be exploring novel polymer additive development working in a cross functional team partnered with a strong Interfacial Surface science group to create new polymeric surfactants. If you’ve been classically trained in polymer synthesis techniques like free radical, addition, esterification, and others, then this could be an exciting entry level role for you! Position is open due to promotion!
Job Summary:
Conducts complex and/or non-standard research, development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the Technology Development team. Focused on using theory and mechanism to drive innovation. May act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project. High level of communication and presentation skills are required. Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time.
Responsibilities
Performs and/or manages synthesis, and/or characterization activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Product Development Process. Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.
Develops fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including structure/function relationships of componentry, reaction kinetics, dose-response relationships, and other mechanistic tools to deepen our understanding of products. Uses mechanistic understanding to design and synthesize new components. Able to practically characterize those components using standard analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and project leaders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges. Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion. Conducts special projects as assigned.
Participates in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriate. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Assists in determining future direction.
Completes complex analytical testing procedures, in-depth analysis and interpretation and provides a detailed and accurate test report to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluates all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions.
Completes collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consults with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
Leads or directs special research projects independently. Oversees technical activities and/or supervises technical team members assigned to the project.
Understands, complies with, and promotes safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
Ensures complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participates in Quality System related activities and maintains an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
Represents the company in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintains adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stays informed of advanced developments inside and outside of the company.
Participates in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc.
Contact:
If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Stephanie Kemp at
skemp@cps4jobs.com .
Job Number:
JO: 173.25SK
Job Requirements Technical Qualifications:
PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering
Experience in different polymerization techniques (like free radical, addition, esterification), oligomer/polymer synthesis, monomer synthesis, polymeric based surfactant synthesis, kinetic and mechanism study, and material characterization are necessary. Broader polymer knowledge is preferred (e.g., Methacrylates, Polyalphaolefins).
Experience or background in polymer physics, polymer chemistry, surfactant chemistry, heterogeneous/homogeneous systems, polymer solutions, rheology, and applications of polymer science.
Strong use of theory and mechanism to drive inquiry and find applicable solutions.
Ability to build structure-activity relationships in highly complex systems.
Experience with statistical analysis software for analyzing large data sets is preferred.
Meet Your Recruiter Stephanie Kemp Sr Market Recruiting Specialist
Senior Level Recruitment Professional with extensive experience in recruiting Industrial Chemists and Scientists nationwide.
Phone: 815-756-1221
Email:
skemp@cps4jobs.com
How to Apply
Apply online or via LinkedIn. This job posting includes standard notices and notifies you if related opportunities become available.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location:
Hopewell, VA, US Salary:
$85,000 - $100,000 per year Posted:
10/06/2025 Remote:
On-Site
Job Description In this Polymer Chemist role, you will be exploring novel polymer additive development working in a cross functional team partnered with a strong Interfacial Surface science group to create new polymeric surfactants. If you’ve been classically trained in polymer synthesis techniques like free radical, addition, esterification, and others, then this could be an exciting entry level role for you! Position is open due to promotion!
Job Summary:
Conducts complex and/or non-standard research, development, and/or performance testing activities to meet stated objectives of the Technology Development team. Focused on using theory and mechanism to drive innovation. May act as overall or technical project lead and direct the work of other technical team members assigned to the project. High level of communication and presentation skills are required. Often responsible for multiple projects of varying complexity occurring at same time.
Responsibilities
Performs and/or manages synthesis, and/or characterization activities to meet established project objectives. Effective use and leadership of the Product Development Process. Designs approach, test plans, and milestones to project completion.
Develops fundamental understanding of lubricating oil performance, including structure/function relationships of componentry, reaction kinetics, dose-response relationships, and other mechanistic tools to deepen our understanding of products. Uses mechanistic understanding to design and synthesize new components. Able to practically characterize those components using standard analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
Evaluates and interprets data, performance, and deliverables. Provides recommendations to R&D and project leaders regarding results, deliverables, progress and challenges. Identifies and eliminates hurdles to successful project completion. Conducts special projects as assigned.
Participates in technical and/or project reviews and presents findings as appropriate. Engages with assigned teams and cross-functional stakeholders, such as business, process, marketing, etc. Assists in determining future direction.
Completes complex analytical testing procedures, in-depth analysis and interpretation and provides a detailed and accurate test report to the customer in a timely manner. Evaluates all test/project data to ensure accuracy, completeness and reasonability of conclusions.
Completes collation of data, final interpretation and written test reports. Consults with the customer as necessary to review and explain results, offer insight and analytical perspective and ensure that project goals are being met.
Leads or directs special research projects independently. Oversees technical activities and/or supervises technical team members assigned to the project.
Understands, complies with, and promotes safe laboratory and work practices, including appropriate safety regulations and procedures.
Ensures complete documentation is maintained on ISO or Quality System related activities. Participates in Quality System related activities and maintains an up-to-date understanding of the Quality System functions & responsibilities.
Represents the company in technical conferences, societies and other industry activities. Maintains adequate level of technical expertise and self-development through study, seminars, etc. Stays informed of advanced developments inside and outside of the company.
Participates in IP activities as required, including competitor reviews, freedom to practice assessments, patent filings, invention disclosures, etc.
Contact:
If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Stephanie Kemp at
skemp@cps4jobs.com .
Job Number:
JO: 173.25SK
Job Requirements Technical Qualifications:
PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering
Experience in different polymerization techniques (like free radical, addition, esterification), oligomer/polymer synthesis, monomer synthesis, polymeric based surfactant synthesis, kinetic and mechanism study, and material characterization are necessary. Broader polymer knowledge is preferred (e.g., Methacrylates, Polyalphaolefins).
Experience or background in polymer physics, polymer chemistry, surfactant chemistry, heterogeneous/homogeneous systems, polymer solutions, rheology, and applications of polymer science.
Strong use of theory and mechanism to drive inquiry and find applicable solutions.
Ability to build structure-activity relationships in highly complex systems.
Experience with statistical analysis software for analyzing large data sets is preferred.
Meet Your Recruiter Stephanie Kemp Sr Market Recruiting Specialist
Senior Level Recruitment Professional with extensive experience in recruiting Industrial Chemists and Scientists nationwide.
Phone: 815-756-1221
Email:
skemp@cps4jobs.com
How to Apply
Apply online or via LinkedIn. This job posting includes standard notices and notifies you if related opportunities become available.
#J-18808-Ljbffr