How to Be Polymer Chemist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Polymer chemists are responsible for developing and producing polymers and polymer-based products. These products are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, medical, and electronics. As a result of their work, polymer chemists have a significant impact on the economy by helping to create new products that can be used to improve the quality of life.

Furthermore, their work also helps to reduce the amount of waste produced by traditional manufacturing processes, as well as improve product durability and performance. By developing high-performance polymers and polymer-based materials, polymer chemists are able to create products that are both more efficient and economical, making them a valuable asset to the industry.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. To become a polymer chemist, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemistry engineering, polymer science, or a related field. This type of degree program typically lasts four years and includes coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and more.
Obtain Work Experience. Many employers are looking for candidates with prior work experience in the field of chemistry. Consider gaining experience through internships, research projects, summer jobs, or part-time jobs during your undergraduate studies.
Consider a Masters Degree. To be competitive for certain positions, consider earning a master's degree in chemistry, polymer science, or a related field. This type of degree program typically takes two years to complete and includes coursework in polymer synthesis, polymer physics, and more.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification from the American Chemical Society is voluntary but recommended for those pursuing a career as a polymer chemist. To qualify for certification, you must have earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, have at least two years of professional experience, and pass an exam.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state and/or industry you work in, you may need to be licensed to practice as a polymer chemist. Licensing requirements vary by state and industry, so it's important to check with your state to determine if there are any licensing requirements you need to meet.

Polymer chemistry allows for the creation of a wide variety of materials with specialized properties. It involves the manipulation of molecular structures to form polymers that have specific characteristics. The ideal polymer chemist must be capable of understanding the chemistry of polymerization, and the various reactions, solvents, and catalysts necessary to create the desired materials.

they must have a good knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of different polymers so they can design products with optimal performance. By having a thorough understanding of polymer chemistry, a polymer chemist can create materials with tailored properties, such as strength and flexibility, that are ideal for specific applications. Furthermore, they must be able to identify potential problems and take corrective action in order to prevent issues in the final product.

With the right knowledge and skills, a polymer chemist can develop innovative and high-quality materials that benefit society.

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Job Description

Develop and conduct experiments to modify and improve the properties of polymers and other related materials.
Analyze data and interpret the results to identify any significant trends or patterns.
Research and develop new products and processes using polymers and other materials.
Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and other documents related to the research.
Collaborate with other chemists, engineers, and technicians to develop new products and processes.
Assist with the development of new products or processes by testing and evaluating different formulations, materials, and combinations.
Monitor the quality of materials and finished products to ensure that desired results are achieved.
Troubleshoot any issues related to the production of polymers or other materials.
Provide guidance to other chemists, engineers, and technicians in the laboratory.
Maintain accurate records of experiments, results, and other pertinent information.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of polymer manufacturing processes
Knowledge of polymer synthesis and characterization techniques
Knowledge of polymer physical and chemical properties
Ability to develop new polymer systems and applications
Proficiency in laboratory techniques including glassware, chemicals, laboratory safety protocols, and instrumentation
Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modeling
Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to polymer chemistry
Ability to design and execute experiments
Ability to interpret results and draw conclusions
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different disciplines
Familiarity with current literature in polymer chemistry
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Polymer chemistry is a highly specialized field of chemistry that requires a deep understanding of the structure, properties, and synthesis of polymers. To be successful in this field, a polymer chemist must possess a variety of skills. First, they must have a strong knowledge of organic chemistry, including an understanding of reaction mechanisms and the ability to synthesize complex chemical compounds.

they must be knowledgeable in physical chemistry, including topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics. Furthermore, they should be well versed in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy and chromatography. Finally, an effective polymer chemist must have strong problem-solving skills to successfully troubleshoot issues that may arise during research or development.

All of these skills are essential for a successful career in polymer chemistry.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What specific experience do you have working with polymers?
How do you keep up to date with the latest advances in polymer chemistry?
How would you characterize the properties of various types of polymers?
What techniques have you used to develop new polymer products?
Describe a project where you successfully used polymer chemistry to solve a problem.
What knowledge do you have of the safety protocols associated with working with polymers?
How do you ensure that the polymer products you produce meet quality standards?
How do you manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines?
What strategies do you use to troubleshoot issues with polymer products?
How would you go about designing a new polymer product from scratch?

Common Tools in Industry

Spectrophotometer. A tool used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample. (eg: Example: Using a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of a sample of dye).
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A tool used to observe the surface details of a sample. (eg: Example: Using an SEM to observe the structure of a polymer film).
Mass Spectrometer. A tool used to measure the mass and composition of a sample. (eg: Example: Using a mass spectrometer to measure the molecular weight of a polymer).
Refractometer. A tool used to measure the refractive index of a sample. (eg: Example: Using a refractometer to measure the refractive index of a polymer solution).
Gas Chromatograph (GC). A tool used to separate and identify components in a sample. (eg: Example: Using a GC to identify the components of a polymeric material).
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR). A tool used to measure the interactions between nuclei in a sample. (eg: Example: Using an NMR spectrometer to measure the hydrogen bonding in a polymer).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Chemical Society
American Institute of Chemistry
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Polymer Materials Science and Engineering Division of ACS
Society of Plastics Engineers
Society of Polymer Science Japan
International Association of Polymer Science and Technology
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Association of Polymer Chemistry
American Society for Testing and Materials

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Common Important Terms

Polymerization. The process of forming a polymer, a molecule composed of many repeating units.
Monomer. A small molecule that can be bonded together to form a larger polymer molecule.
Polymer Structure. The arrangement of atoms within a polymer molecule.
Polymer Chemistry. The study of the synthesis, properties, and structure of polymers.
Crosslinking. The process of joining two or more polymer chains together through chemical bonds.
Chain Scission. The process of breaking down a polymer chain into smaller molecules.
Thermosetting Polymers. A type of polymer that becomes rigid and hard after heating and cannot be softened again without decomposing.
Elastomers. A type of polymer that is very flexible and returns to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.
Copolymer. A type of polymer created by the combination of two or more different monomer units.
Plastics. A type of polymer made from petroleum products that are used in many everyday items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Polymer Chemist?

A Polymer Chemist is a scientist who specializes in the study of polymers, which are large molecules made of repeating structural units.

What kind of research do Polymer Chemists conduct?

Polymer Chemists conduct research related to polymer structure and properties, polymer synthesis, and polymer processing techniques.

What are some applications of Polymer Chemistry?

Polymer Chemistry has many applications, including the production of synthetic materials for use in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries.

What type of skills do Polymer Chemists need?

Polymer Chemists need to possess a thorough knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. They must also have excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

How many years of higher education are required to become a Polymer Chemist?

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Chemistry or a related field is required to become a Polymer Chemist. Some positions may also require a Master's or Doctoral degree.

Web Resources

Polymer Chemist | NC State Online and Distance Education online-distance.ncsu.edu
Polymer Chemistry - University of Pittsburgh www.chem.pitt.edu
Polymer Chemistry | Department of Chemistry | Virginia Tech chem.vt.edu