Rheology Scientist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Follow applicable safety, quality, and data-management requirements; maintain good laboratory practices; and help keep instruments and work areas in reliable, orderly condition.
• Collaborate with partner functions, such as R&D, manufacturing, quality and business partners to understand needs and provide viable analytical testing solutions primarily focused on viscosity type measurements.
• Work in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to provide safe, effective analytical solutions to internal partners or for customer fitness for use. Prioritize work and manage multiple and/or competing demands.
• Develop and design experiments and test methods in support of a variety of QA/QC labs, product lines and applications.
• Elucidate and recommend analytical solutions for successful scale-up and manufacturing of new and existing products.
• Anticipate technical difficulties and develop creative solutions.
• Prepare and write technical presentations and reports to document work for internal consumption.
• Prepare and present written and oral reports to communicate with manufacturing, R&D, Business, Customer and/or Quality teams.
• Work in and lead multidisciplinary teams to safely execute technical projects, including coaching, mentoring, and directing the work of technicians.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry with 5+ years of related experience involving analytical problem solving and experience with rheological and/or viscosity measurements OR PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or similar with focus on Rheological studies of materials.
• A strong foundation in rheology and experience applying rheological techniques to materials or product questions.
• Experience with rheometry, experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication is expected.
• A chemistry focused background is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate complex analytical data clearly to technical and nontechnical partners, including Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and business teams, to inform decision-making.
• Experience training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to colleagues.
• Experience leading one or more projects concurrently.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to improve analytical methods, laboratory capabilities, or processes and drive their implementation.

Benefits

Compensation & Incentives: Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in the company's 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.