Application Development Scientist - Pharma
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
Eastman's Pharma Technology group within Care Solutions is seeking an Application Development Scientist to support Eastman's pharmaceutical portfolio of excipients and APIs by generating new technical data and providing customer technical support. This position will be onsite at our headquarters in Kingsport, TN.
• Develops fundamental understanding as to how Eastman ingredients behave in a Pharma excipient formulation.
• Assesses chemical structure/performance relationships of Eastman ingredients delivered in a formulation or Pharma coating.
• Becomes the focal point for all Pharma related technology development in North America.
• Develops and maintains a network with independent institutions and with the technical centers of key companies in the Pharma industry. Actively participates in important industry events and conferences. Primary focus area is North America Region, but specific knowledge transfer may be required globally.
• Seeks, gathers & distributes market intelligence, contributes to the global technical knowledge-base through sharing of relevant learning & experience via call reports.
• Monitors and communicates product developments relating to our existing & potential customer base and competitive landscape.
• Through customer calls discovers customer unmet needs, understands customer requirements and defines fitness-for-use criteria for specific Pharma (excipient) applications. Translates the fitness-for-use criteria to fundamental Eastman material characteristics. Leads proposal of final solution to customers and follows up on application trials.
• Facilitates ideations & development projects in the innovation funnel.
• Works closely with research & development, marketing and sales during development, and commercialization of relevant products.
• Responds to technical inquiries, applying fundamental application and formulation experience to resolve customer problems.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who can make connections between technologies, manufacturing issues and customer needs.
• PhD preferred, or Master’s/Bachelor's Degree with a proven track record of success in the industry. The ideal candidate has a global perspective on the use of excipients
• Minimum 5 years in relevant field of Pharma (Excipient) business; demonstrated commercial acumen
• A creative team player with initiative, good analytical and trouble-shooting skills, able to work under minimum supervision.
• Ability to influence without authority on cross-functional and cross-regional teams.
• Experience working in multi-functional project teams and customer facing situations
• Culturally aware and comfortable with international travel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
* Approx maximum of 50% travel - (North America Region including some International travel)
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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