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

Feb 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Polymer science is a rapidly advancing field, with the potential to revolutionize many industries. It involves the study of polymers, which are large molecules composed of a repeating structural unit linked together by chemical bonds. The properties of polymers can be altered through the manipulation of their chemical structure and physical characteristics, allowing them to be used in a variety of applications.

As a result, this has led to increased research and development into the synthesis and application of polymers, resulting in the development of new and improved materials. These new materials have proven to be invaluable in many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics, as they are more lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient than conventional materials. By furthering research into polymer science, scientists can develop new and more efficient materials for use in various industries, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Steps How to Become

Earn an Undergraduate Degree. A bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or materials science, is a good starting point for a career in polymer science. Relevant courses to take include organic chemistry, physical chemistry and polymer synthesis.
Complete a Graduate Degree. A master's degree or doctoral degree in polymer science or a related field is required for most research and development positions. Courses to consider taking include advanced polymer synthesis, biomaterials and nanomaterials.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have practical experience in the field. Internships and lab work are valuable ways to gain experience working with polymers.
Consider Certification. The American Chemical Society offers the Certified Polymer Scientist (CPS) credential, which requires a combination of education, experience and passing an exam. Professional certification may be helpful for advancing in the field.
Stay Up-to-Date. As technology and scientific advancements continue to evolve, polymer scientists must stay up-to-date on new developments and trends in the field. Proficiency in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software is also beneficial.

In order to remain qualified and updated as a polymer scientist, it is essential to continuously stay informed about the latest developments in the field. This can be achieved by regularly reading scientific journals, attending conferences and seminars, participating in professional organizations, and taking additional courses in polymer science. Additionally, staying up to date on advances in related fields, such as material science and nanotechnology, can help a polymer scientist understand how these fields can intersect with their own work. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in this field, a polymer scientist can remain qualified and knowledgeable in their field.

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Job Description

Polymer Scientist: Develop new polymers and improve existing products using chemistry, physics, and other scientific principles. Evaluate physical and chemical properties of polymers to determine their suitability for specific applications.
Process Engineer: Develop processes for synthesizing polymers, troubleshooting existing processes, and conducting experiments to optimize production.
Product Development Scientist: Design and develop new products utilizing polymers and other materials. Evaluate the performance of existing products and identify potential improvements.
Research Scientist: Conduct research to understand the structure, properties, and behavior of polymers in various conditions. Develop new methods for synthesizing and analyzing polymers.
Quality Assurance Scientist: Monitor the quality of polymer products and identify potential problems. Develop and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure safety and effectiveness of polymer products.
Technical Support Scientist: Provide technical support to customers and respond to inquiries regarding the use and performance of polymer products. Troubleshoot any problems and provide solutions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

In-depth knowledge of polymer synthesis and characterization techniques
Expertise in chemical engineering principles and processes
Practical experience in the formulation, synthesis, and processing of polymers
Knowledge of surface-modifying techniques and their applications
Understanding of polymer rheology and the influence of processing parameters on product performance
Ability to analyze and interpret data from experiments
Proficiency in creating and executing research plans
Ability to write reports and present findings to team members
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and in collaborative teams

Polymer scientists are experts in the field of polymer chemistry, which is the study of the chemical and physical properties of polymer materials. A successful polymer scientist must have a strong background in organic chemistry, materials science, and physics in order to understand the complex interactions between the various components of polymer material. One of the most important skills for a polymer scientist is their ability to analyze the structure of polymeric molecules, as well as their behavior when subjected to various environmental conditions.

They must also be able to identify the various chemical and physical properties of the polymer material and understand how these can be manipulated to create new and improved products. By being able to identify and draw correlations between different materials, a polymer scientist can develop new and improved methods for making products more durable, efficient, and cost-effective in the long run.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Polymer Scientist?
Describe your experience in conducting research on polymer materials.
What techniques do you use to characterize and analyze polymers?
What advancements have you made in the field of polymer science?
How would you approach developing a new polymer material?
Describe your experience in developing new formulations for polymers.
What methods do you use for synthesizing and evaluating polymers?
How do you stay current on the latest trends in polymer science?
What challenges have you faced in the development of innovative polymer materials?
How would you collaborate with other team members to develop a successful polymer product?

Common Tools in Industry

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A technique used to amplify DNA sequences in a sample. It is used to detect, diagnose and study genetic conditions. (eg: used to detect mutations in a gene).
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A process used to separate, identify, and quantify compounds within a sample. It is used to analyze the composition of materials such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals. (eg: used to detect levels of a compound in a sample).
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A technique used to study the surface features of materials at high magnification. It is used for analyzing the microstructure of polymers. (eg: used to analyze the morphology of a polymer).
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). A method used to measure the thermal properties of materials. It is used to study the melting temperature and crystallinity of polymers. (eg: used to measure the glass transition temperature of a polymer).
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). A method used to study the structure of materials by measuring the absorption of infrared light by a sample. It is used to characterize the chemical composition of polymers. (eg: used to identify functional groups in a polymer).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Chemical Society
American Physical Society
American Institute of Physics
Materials Research Society
Polymer Materials Science and Engineering Division
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
International Polymer Processing Society
Polymer Processing Society
American Vacuum Society
International Society of Polymer Science

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Common Important Terms

Polymerization. A process by which small molecules, known as monomers, are combined to form large molecules, or polymers.
Monomers. Organic molecules that are used as building blocks in the formation of polymers.
Polymerization Reactions. Chemical reactions that occur when monomers combine to form polymers.
Macromolecules. Large molecules composed of smaller repeating units, known as monomers.
Cross-Linking. The process by which chemical bonds are formed between two or more polymer molecules.
Thermosetting Polymers. Polymers that form strong, rigid structures when heated and remain stable at high temperatures.
Thermoplastic Polymers. Polymers that can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling.
Blends. A mixture of two or more polymers with distinct properties.
Copolymers. A polymer consisting of two or more monomers that have been chemically bonded together.
Composites. Materials made from two or more components that have been combined to create a material with superior properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Polymer Scientist? A1: A Polymer Scientist is a scientist who studies the chemical and physical properties of polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeating structural units. Q2: What are some common examples of polymers? A2: Common examples of polymers include plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene; rubber, such as natural rubber and synthetic rubber; and proteins, such as collagen and keratin. Q3: What kind of research do Polymer Scientists conduct? A3: Polymer Scientists conduct research on topics such as the synthesis, characterization and properties of polymers, the design and fabrication of polymer-based materials, and the application of polymers in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and energy. Q4: What tools do Polymer Scientists use to analyze polymers? A4: Polymer Scientists use tools such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy to analyze the structure and properties of polymers. Q5: How long have Polymer Scientists been studying polymers? A5: Polymer Scientists have been studying polymers since the early 1900s. The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland and was called Bakelite.

Web Resources

School of Polymer Science and Engineering www.usm.edu
Polymer Science | Undergraduate Programs | The www.usm.edu
School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering : The University of www.uakron.edu