R&D Scientist II – Materials / Polymer Focus
4 days ago
Franklin Lakes
R&D Scientist II – Materials / Polymer Focus (Lab-Based) - 626501 Location: Franklin Lakes, NJ (Onsite – 5 days/week) Duration: 12-month contract (W2) Pay Rate: ~$35.75 - $37.75/hr. Overview We are seeking a junior-level R&D Scientist II to join a Specimen Management R&D team, supporting the development of blood collection devices (e.g., tubes, needles, plastic components). This role is highly lab-focused (≈50%+ hands-on testing) and ideal for candidates with a background in materials science, polymer chemistry, or chemical engineering who enjoy bench work and experimental testing. Key Responsibilities • Conduct material characterization and testing, including:, • FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, and mechanical testing, • Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC) and Thermal Cycle Analysis (TCA), • Design and execute lab experiments and test protocols, • Perform root cause investigations related to material and product failures, • Support material selection, qualification, and vendor/material changes, • Prepare samples and prototypes for internal and external testing, • Document results and provide data-driven recommendations, • Assist with small-scale material assessments and innovation efforts, • Maintain lab equipment and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, etc.), • Support testing involving human blood samples (training and PPE provided) Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, • 2+ years of laboratory experience (industry or academic), • Hands-on experience with materials testing and characterization, • Strong interest in polymer/material science (non-metal/ceramic focus), • Comfortable working in a lab-heavy, hands-on role, • Basic knowledge of statistical tools (Excel, Minitab, etc.), • Ability to conduct independent research and literature reviews Preferred Qualifications • Polymers or plastic materials (especially for medical devices), • Material formulation or modification, • ESC, TCA, or similar testing methods, • Exposure to analytical chemistry techniques, • Experience working with biological materials or blood samples, • Background in tissue engineering or DNA-related work (nice-to-have) Work Environment & Expectations • 50%+ lab-based work (testing, characterization, experimentation), • Remaining time focused on analysis, reporting, and innovation projects, • Fully onsite role (no remote option), • No travel required, • Dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment, • Opportunity for long-term growth Interview Process • Initial screening with Hiring Manager, • Follow-up panel interview with project team (virtual via Teams) Ideal Candidate Profile • Early-career scientist with a strong materials/polymer background, • Curious, hands-on, and eager to learn, • Comfortable working independently in a lab setting, • Interested in medical device R&D and material innovation