Advanced Research Chemist
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Responsibilities
The Corporate Analytical Division (CAD) is seeking a highly motivated Chemist specializing in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to join the Spectrometry Applications Laboratory (SAL) in Kingsport, TN. This role supports R&D programs, manufacturing, and technical service initiatives through advanced analytical capabilities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing NMR-based analytical methods while ensuring efficient laboratory operations and strong engagement with internal stakeholders.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
• Serve as a role model for safety, actively engaging coworkers and participating in division and group safety programs.
• Perform routine and specialized NMR analytical testing to support research & development, applications development, technical services, and manufacturing.
• Design and execute NMR studies, analyze and interpret data, and identify results requiring further investigation.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to design analytical approaches, interpret results, and develop nonstandard testing methods as needed.
• Manage multiple projects with varying priorities and timelines, working independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills, including setting expectations, defining milestones, and driving execution.
• Maintain an open-access laboratory environment and provide training and technical guidance to other scientists.
• Monitor and assess instrument performance and reliability, identify improvement opportunities, and lead continuous improvement efforts.
• Prepare technical reports to document analytical results and project outcomes.
• Write, review, and approve test methods and job aids for NMR instrumentation and techniques.
• Mentor and train chemists and technicians as needed.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements:
• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related physical science preferred; BS or MS with 5+ years of relevant experience will also be considered.
Candidate should possess:
• Proven experience in structure elucidation using solution-state NMR spectroscopy
• Experience developing new experimental designs, including exploration of emerging NMR technologies and techniques
• Strong foundation in structural organic chemistry
• Proficiency with NMR acquisition and data analysis software
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and technical issues
• Strong collaborator and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work across organizational boundaries
• Innovative, creative thinker with sound scientific judgment and a willingness to take calculated risks
• Ability to manage both short-term and long-term analytical needs while meeting deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with complementary analytical techniques such as LC-MS, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy
Benefits
Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.
Compensation & Incentives
• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.
Health & Wellness
• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Time Away
• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
Growth & Development
• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.
At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
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