Polymer Scientist – Electrospinning & Advanced Materials ApplicationsLocation: Phoenix, AZ – Onsite laboratory role; ~20–30% North American travelCompensation: $90,000 – $110,000 base salary + performance bonusRelocation: Relocation support availableBenefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life InsuranceIris Scientific is a specialty recruitment agency focused exclusively on technical and commercial roles within the North American scientific instrumentation and advanced materials market.We're partnering with a Phoenix-based advanced materials and contract analytical laboratory to hire a PhD-level Polymer Scientist with deep, hands-on electrospinning expertise. The lab develops electrospun and electrosprayed polymer systems for medical device and regulated-materials applications — drug delivery, wound care, device coatings, fibrous scaffolds, membranes — for clients ranging from the world's largest medical device companies to early-stage startups.What This Role IsYou will be the lab's internal subject-matter expert on electrospinning and electrospraying, leading client-facing contract development projects from scope definition through final reporting. It's a hands-on bench role with real commercial visibility — applied science, not academic research, and not a translational, regulatory, or product-management track.A small, tight-knit team (7 people) means high autonomy, fast-moving priorities, and a genuine mix of laboratory execution and direct customer engagement.Core ResponsibilitiesContract research & project leadershipLead electrospinning/electrospraying projects for industrial and research clientsDefine project scope with customers and design structured, factorial experimental plansConduct hands-on experimentation, process development, and troubleshooting across diverse polymer systemsDevelop and document SOPs; maintain quality-system and documentation disciplineCommunicate outcomes through clear written and oral technical reportsMentor junior team members in experimental design and best practicesApplications & technical supportSupport advanced electrospinning instrumentation; run demos, installations, and user trainingProvide pre- and post-sales technical support, proof-of-concept testing, and remote/onsite troubleshootingRepresent the lab at workshops, trade shows, and technical roadshows across North AmericaQualificationsRequiredPhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline (this is a polymer/materials-science role rather than a chemical-engineering one)Deep, independent, hands-on electrospinning and/or electrospraying experience — you have personally developed, built, or substantially owned and troubleshooted the process, not only operated an established group systemDemonstrated breadth across multiple polymer systems — not a single-polymer specialistStrong experimental-design discipline (structured/factorial, not purely exploratory)Proven ability to manage technical projects independently and meet client timelinesExcellent written and verbal technical communicationWillingness to travel ~20–30%Attributes that matter hereStrong interpersonal skills and team fit — this is a collaborative, customer-facing, rules-driven environment; the team works closely together and to client specifications.
This is weighted as heavily as technical skill.Ownership and accountability — comfortable being questioned on your work, and able to say "I don't know" without defensivenessGenuine curiosity across a wide range of materials and applicationsComfort working in environmentally sensitive electrospinning systems (humidity, solvent, charge effects)Process-oriented, quality-minded, and organized in documentationRecent PhDs with strong electrospinning depth are encouraged to apply. Industry, internship, or PI-collaboration-with-industry experience is an advantage but not required.Team & Environment7-person analytical team; individual contributor with technical-leadership influenceHigh-autonomy, startup-paced environment within an established 20-year companyOther RequirementsOnsite in Phoenix, AZ — must be located there or willing to relocateUS work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available