Lab Technician
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.
Description
Join our Polymer Synthesis and Application Innovation team and play a hands on role in developing next generation materials and processes. Working under the guidance of principal investigators, you will design, execute, and document lab scale experiments spanning polymer and small molecule synthesis, lab scale process simulation, and application development. This role blends experimental execution, equipment operation and maintenance, data analysis, and cross functional collaboration to advance product concepts toward scale up and commercialization.
Responsibilities
• Research & Experimentation
o Design and execute lab-scale polymer and small molecule synthesis.
o Conduct process simulation, application testing, and product scale-up.
• Equipment & Process Operations
o Operate and maintain lab and bench-scale equipment (reactors, mixers, pumps, ovens, glassware, analytical tools).
o Troubleshoot and optimize experimental processes.
• Data & Documentation
o Record, analyze, and interpret results; collaborate with principal investigators to solve complex problems.
o Maintain organized, safe, and compliant lab workflows.
• Collaboration
o Partner with internal analytical teams and other organizational stakeholders.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: An Associates or Bachelors degree in Chemistry or related field preferred from an accredited college or university.
• Required:
o Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field or equivalent relevant lab experience.
o Strong attention to detail and precision in experimental execution.
o Effective written and verbal communication skills.
o Able to work effectively in a team and under the direction of principal investigators.
• Preferred:
o Experience with polymer synthesis, small molecule synthesis, or formulation development.
o Familiarity with analytical techniques used in polymer/materials R&D (e.g., GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR).
o Experience with bench scale process equipment and small scale scale up workflows.
o Familiarity with safety compliance and laboratory operations.
o Hands-on experience with equipment and process unit operations.
o Collaborative team experience.
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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Chemical Research, Maintenance, R&D, Application Developer, Chemical Engineer, Engineering, Manufacturing, Research, Technology