R&D Chemist

Job Title: R&D Chemist– Polymer & Materials Development

Location: Jacksonville, FL (On-site)

Pay Rate: $25/hr+ (dependent on experience)

Shift: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Employment Type: Contract (12 month, potential for extension or renewal)

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Chemist to support novel contact lens and intraocular material development efforts. This role is ideal for someone passionate about polymer science, materials innovation, and hands-on laboratory research. You will work on developing and manufacturing new lens formulations, generating experimental data, and contributing to the advancement of next-generation vision care technologies.

• Support development of novel contact lens and intraocular materials and polymerization technologies.
• Formulate and manufacture prototype lenses, including hands-on lens production in a glove box (up to ~70 lenses/day as needed).
• Prepare multiple formulations per day to support ongoing experiments.
• Operate a variety of analytical instruments (training provided), such as HPLC, UV/VIS, FTIR, DMA, DSC, NMR.

• Enter all experimental data into validated systems (e.g., LIMS, protocol management platforms).
• Analyze results and prepare clear technical summaries and reports.
• Present findings at team meetings and contribute to scientific discussions.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on research laboratory experience.
• Strong foundation in polymer chemistry; experience in formulation development a plus.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (HPLC, UV/VIS, FTIR, etc.) preferred—training available.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

You thrive in the lab, enjoy developing new materials, and have a strong interest in polymer chemistry and formulation science. You take initiative, communicate clearly, and are excited to contribute to innovative material technologies that support next‑generation vision products.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce.

Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.