Senior Scientist - Polymer Mechanics

Corning•City of Corning, NY

3d•$77,927 - $107,150•Onsite

About The Position

Corning is seeking a Scientist to support the reliability assessment and performance evaluation of polymeric materials used in advanced applications. This role will focus on polymer thermomechanical characterization, mechanical testing, and failure mode analysis to generate fundamental insights into material behavior and drive improvements in product and material performance. The position will also involve implementing finite element analysis (FEA) and data-driven models. The successful candidate will combine hands-on laboratory experimentation with rigorous technical analysis to investigate degradation and failure mechanisms, quantify reliability risks, and develop novel characterization approaches. This role requires strong scientific judgment, technical independence, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Requirements

PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Demonstrated research experience in polymer characterization, materials behavior, or reliability assessment.
Strong knowledge of polymer behavior under different application conditions, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental effects.
Experience with polymer characterization techniques, including rheological, thermomechanical, nanoindentation, and mechanical testing.
Experience with failure analysis, degradation studies, or materials reliability assessment.
Strong experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Finite Element Analysis and data driven modeling
Experience developing or adapting laboratory test methods to address new technical challenges as well as familiarity with theoretical mechanics.
Familiarity with reliability assessment of polymeric materials in product or application-focused environments.
Experience translating characterization results into recommendations for product, material, or process improvement.
Record of technical publications, presentations, patents, or other research contributions.

Responsibilities

Design and execute experimental studies to evaluate polymer behavior under relevant application conditions, including load, temperature, time, and environmental exposure.
Conduct rheological, thermomechanical, and mechanical characterization of polymeric materials.
Perform failure mode and degradation analysis to identify mechanisms affecting reliability and long-term performance.
Develop, refine, and implement new or modified test methods to address technical gaps and improve characterization capability.
Analyze and interpret experimental results to establish structure-property-performance relationships and identify reliability risks.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend opportunities to improve material, product, or process performance based on scientific findings.
Cross validates experimental results with Finite Element Analysis.
Document and communicate technical results, conclusions, and recommendations through reports, presentations, and project updates.
Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to support research and development objectives.