Associate Applications Scientist

Eastman Chemical Company

Job Location:

Kingsport, TN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 3 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Founded in 1920 Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The companys innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms deep customer engagement and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation building and construction and consumables. As a globally inclusive company Eastman employs approximately 13000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport Tennessee USA. For more information visit.

Description

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an experienced Applications Development / Research Scientist to advance the Aventa biodegradable polymers product family through product development compounding and scale-up of novel cellulose ester-based formulations. Utilizing a fundamental sciencefirst approach the role emphasizes rigorous investigation of melt rheology chain architecture phase behavior and degradation pathways to build predictive structurepropertyprocessing maps that guide formulation and processing decisions. The scientist will translate these fundamentals into robust safe and repeatable processing solutions across extrusion profile extrusion and injection molding while meeting enduse fitnessforuse (FFU) and home/industrial compostability targetsat optimized cost. This position reports into the Biodegradable Technology Division and is located at the R&D headquarters in Kingsport TN.

Responsibilities

Participate in align with and influence Eastmans market segment team strategy (Application Development Product Development Marketing Sales Technical Service Product Management Regulatory Manufacturing).
Translate customer and market needs into technical requirements and Critical to Quality (CTQ) metrics to guide product concepts and product selection.
Lead and support market-facing Stage Gate projects; define technical milestones risks and mitigation plans.
Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop fundamental understanding of melt rheology and relate rheological metrics to processing performance and end-use properties.
Formulate and compound cellulose ester polymer blends and additive systems to meet targeted rheology mechanical optical and compostability requirements; optimize cost/performance trade-offs.
Run interpret and apply rheometry MFI/MI melt strength and processability tests; translate results to processing windows and machine settings.
Design and analyze DOE and statistical studies to optimize formulations and process parameters.
Support lab pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust safe operating conditions.
Facilitate and run customer trials and internal validations; communicate results and convert validated trials into product development actions.
Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support intellectual property activities.
Prepare clear technical documentation and oral presentations for internal and external stakeholders (test reports technical data sheets regulatory inputs).
Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices: lead hazard assessments ensure compliant handling and disposal of materials and support other safety programs.

Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering Materials Science Chemical Engineering or related technical field required.
8 years industry experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into commercial scale products required..
Demonstrated hands on experience with melt rheology testing and interpretation.
Practical experience in formulation compounding and extrusion (lab and pilot scale).
Strong understanding of polymer structureproperty relationships and how formulation and processing influence end use properties and compostability.
Experience designing and analyzing DOE and applying statistics to drive formulation/process decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to cross functional teams and customers.
Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NOT REQUIRED)

Experience in design processability and structure-properties of cellulose esters.
Hands on experience with injection molding profile extrusion thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion.
Experience developing compostable polymer formulations and familiarity with standards (e.g. ASTM D6400 EN 13432 or equivalent).
Hands on experience with injection molding profile extrusion thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion. Especially preferred for cellulose ester polymers.
Familiarity with polymer analytics: GPC/SEC DSC TGA DMA FTIR tensile/impact testing.
Experience with rheology modeling or predictive tools (e.g. RheoWin MATLAB) and with data tools (JMP Python desirable).
Track record of patent filings or published technical reports related to polymer formulations or rheology.
Experience running customer application trials and translating feedback into product designs.

OTHER INFORMATION

Location: Kingsport TN primarily onsite (laboratory and pilot work).

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health grow your wealth and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives
Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical prescription-drug and dental coveragepaired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
A robust menu of voluntary benefitsincluding vision optional life critical-illness protection and moreso you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools family-building assistance (adoption pregnancy and fertility resources) parental leave and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies
401(k) with a company matchplus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away
Eleven paid holidays one personal day paid time off and paid vacation to recharge celebrate or handle lifes moments.

Growth & Development
Access to mentorship learning resources and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman we invest in the whole youso you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future youre proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability pregnancy veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engagedworkplace where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Required Experience: