PhD Chemist

Eastman•Kingsport, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking a recent 2026 or upcoming 2027 PhD graduate Chemist with an experimental focus to join the Technology organization in Kingsport, Tennessee. As a member of a high-performing team, this individual will be responsible for developing innovative and sustainable solutions for new and existing processes and products. The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at the lab, pilot and/or commercial scale to meet market demands.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry or related field
Safe execution of all laboratory processes with demonstrated ability to effectively identify hazards associated with chemistries being explored and take appropriate actions
Demonstrated creativity and desire to solve challenging and complex problems
Passion for understanding the fundamental aspects of complex chemistries and processes
Ability to lead and contribute as a member of multidisciplinary teams
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill data and effectively present key messages across the technical enterprise, as well as various groups such as marketing, manufacturing, regulatory, QA/QC, supply chain, customer service, sales and external customers and suppliers
Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize
Team Player

Nice To Haves

PhD graduation date must be in 2026 or anticipated graduation in 2027

Responsibilities

Collaborate with applications R&D, manufacturing, marketing and business partners to understand customer needs and provide commercially viable technical solutions
Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to develop new technologies that provide solutions to customers’ unmet needs
Develop research plans and design experiments according to company’s timetable and translate into detailed technical work plans for safe and effective execution of process chemistry or new product development
Propose a course of action based on data analysis
Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions
Write patents, technical market support literature, technical presentations, and publications, including internal research for publication, and provide support/liaison for external research conducted in line with the organization’s research strategy
Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with production, marketing, sales, and related functions
Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to execute on technical projects, including directing the work of technicians