PhD Research Chemist

Join Our Team As A PhD-Level Chemist

This isn't a role where you'll disappear into a lab for years without seeing the bigger picture. You'll join a focused, nimble team at a company that's seeing real demand for its products—so your work matters now. A recent retirement opened this spot, and they need a PhD-level chemist who can think on their feet, wear multiple hats, and occasionally talk directly with customers about custom formulations.

If you want to grow fast, solve real problems, and see the business side of your science, this is your kind of place.

You'll report to the R&D Director and work alongside a small, tight-knit group where priorities shift quickly—sometimes in real time, sometimes because the business needs change overnight. Your core focus will be on formulation, synthesis, processing, and characterization of polymers. But that's not all. You'll also:

• Develop and optimize custom formulations for specific customer needs—and yes, you'll occasionally speak directly with those customers to understand their challenges.
• Apply deep organic chemistry knowledge (physical, mechanistic, and synthetic principles) to solve problems on the fly.
• Work with urethane chemistry (a big plus, but not a deal breaker if you don't have it).
• Juggling multiple projects, pivot when needed, and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Travel? Very light—mostly local or occasional client visits.

What You Bring:

PhD in Chemistry (Polymer Chemistry or Organic Chemistry strongly preferred).

A rock-solid foundation in organic chemistry—you understand the physical, mechanistic, and synthetic "why" behind every reaction.

Superior communication and critical reasoning skills. They're not looking for a lab hermit; they want someone who can see the business implications of their work and explain it to others.

1–6 years of experience (post-PhD or equivalent).

Urethane chemistry experience? Great. Not a must, but it'll set you apart.

Compensation & Perks:

$105,000 – $125,000 per year

Direct hire, full-time in Philadelphia, PA (no remote option).

Relocation and interview expenses covered.

Full benefits package (details discussed during the process).

Why This Role?

You won't be a cog in a giant machine. You'll be part of a small team that moves fast, values your input, and gives you room to learn and grow. If you're ready to apply your PhD to real-world chemistry that has immediate impact—and you like the idea of occasionally stepping out of the lab to talk to the people who use your work—this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.