Lead Polymer R&D Scientist

DuPont • Wilmington, DE • 3h ago

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it's providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world's most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers (https://careers.dupont.com/us/en/whyjoinus)

DuPont Healthcare Solutions is seeking a Lead Polymer Research & Development Scientist to drive next-generation polymer innovation for advanced medical device applications. This senior technical role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact, sustainable materials development programs from early research through commercialization within a world-class R&D environment.

Role Overview

You will lead end-to-end polymer development programs, applying deep polymer science expertise to design, synthesize, functionalize, and scale novel materials-including sustainable alternatives-tailored for healthcare applications. This role combines hands-on scientific leadership, customer-facing technical collaboration, and cross-functional project delivery to bring new materials from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Polymer design & development: Lead ideation, synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of new polymer materials for medical devices. Translate customer and application requirements into clear structure-property hypotheses across polymer families such as polyolefins, PVC, PEEK, polyamides, polyurethanes, and fluoropolymers.

Processing & formulation: Develop and optimize polymer formulations and processing methods (extrusion, injection molding, coating). Evaluate thermal, mechanical, and rheological performance to ensure manufacturability and healthcare performance standards.

Scale-up & commercialization: Plan and execute pilot-scale trials and transfer laboratory processes to full manufacturing while meeting quality, regulatory, and supply chain requirements.

Customer & cross-functional collaboration: Serve as a customer-facing technical expert, partnering with medical device customers and collaborating internally with marketing, product management, regulatory, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

Innovation & IP: Drive technical innovation through new chemistries, formulations, and processes. Document results rigorously and secure intellectual property through patents.

Project leadership: Lead multidisciplinary R&D projects, communicate clear technical recommendations, and mentor or influence technical talent.

Digital & data-enabled R&D: Apply digital tools, including AI/ML where appropriate, to accelerate development and improve data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

Education & experience: PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or MS with 10+ years. Healthcare or medical device experience is strongly preferred.

Healthcare materials knowledge: Understanding of polymers used in medical devices, including biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility, and material stability; familiarity with standards such as ISO 10993 and USP Class VI is a plus.

Innovation & problem solving: Proven track record of technical innovation and applying rigorous scientific methods. Patents, publications, or commercialized products are highly valued.

Leadership & communication: Strong collaboration, communication, and project leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional and customer-facing teams.

Drive & adaptability: Self-motivated, capable of managing multiple priorities, and committed to continuous learning and high-quality outcomes.

Join our Talent Community (http://careers.dupont.com/us/en/jointalentcommunity) to stay connected with us!

DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information (http://www.dupont.com/global-links/accessibility.html) .

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page (http://careers.dupont.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits) .

DuPont

Go to Apply

Share this job

Similar Jobs

Cashier

Pilot Company • Elkton, MD • 6h ago

Retail & Hospitality

Company Description Pay Rates Starting between: $15.00 - $20.80 / hour Are you passionate about team building, customer service, and meeting new people? Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where no two days are th...

6h ago

Go to Apply

Accounts Payable Specialist

Robert Half • Media, PA • 7h ago

Finance, Accounting & Banking

Description We are looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist to support day-to-day financial operations for an organization based in Media, Pennsylvania. This contract opportunity is ideal for someone who brings strong...

7h ago

Go to Apply

Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

System One • New Castle, DE • 8h ago

IT & Engineering

Job Title: Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Location: New Castle, Delaware Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $95000 - $125000 annually Contractor Work Model: Onsite Job Summary: The Electrical, Instrumen...

8h ago

Go to Apply

Drexel Electrical Engineer Co-op (Fall/Winter 2026) - Power Labs

Constellation • Coatesville, PA • 8h ago

IT & Engineering

Constellation (Formerly known as Exelon Nuclear) is the nation's largest producer of carbon-free energy and sustainable solutions to millions of homes, institutional customers, the public sector, community aggregations a...

8h ago

Go to Apply

Software Engineer

Actalent • Exton, PA • 10h ago

IT & Engineering

An industry-leading manufacturing organization is seeking a Software Engineer to join its Digital Manufacturing & Automation team. This role will focus on designing, developing, and supporting custom software solutio...

10h ago

Go to Apply

Manufacturing Technology & Automation Engineer

Qnity • Newark, DE • 11h ago

Hospital & Medical

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your p...

11h ago

Go to Apply

Supervisor, Contract Construction

South Jersey Industries • Glassboro, NJ • 15h ago

Trucking & Construction

About Us South Jersey Gas is a natural gas utility company that delivers safe, reliable, affordable clean energy to over 400,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem,...

15h ago

Go to Apply

Construction Administrator

Actalent • Wilmington, DE • 15h ago

Trucking & Construction

Job Title: Construction AdministratorJob Description We are seeking a Construction Administrator with over 5 years of experience in a supportive construction role. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bid...

15h ago

Go to Apply

Bilingual Spanish Remote Interpreters - Tucson

Kelly Services • Wilmington, DE • 16h ago

Retail & Hospitality

Kelly® Professional & Industrial has an open opportunity - Remote/Work From Home Spanish Interpreters. We are currently looking for skilled Entry Level Bilingual Spanish Interpreters that are available to work from h...

16h ago

Go to Apply

Trust Administrator

M&T Bank • Wilmington, DE • 16h ago

Overview: Under supervision, provides administrative support to Trust Officers and has direct contact with grantors, beneficiaries, Trustees, attorneys, accountants, and others, at Trust Officer's discretion. Escalates r...

16h ago

Go to Apply

Subscribe to get new jobs sent directly to you
(no charge, cancel anytime)