Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Polymer Development

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Attendance at conferences

Hybrid work model

Advanced instrumentation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist in Kimberley to drive the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials for aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. You will lead projects from concept to prototype in a hybrid laboratory setting.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field and at least 6 years of hands-on polymer experience, with strong skills in synthesis, characterization, and processing.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on polymer synthesis, characterization, and application development.
• Proven expertise in polymer characterization techniques relevant to material properties.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics, chemistry, and processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of new polymeric materials with advanced synthesis and formulation development.
• Characterize physical, chemical, and mechanical properties using GPC/DSC/TGA/FTIR/NMR and related methods.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize performance for specific applications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to assess material performance in real-world contexts.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Polymer physics

Computational modeling (nice to have)

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science or related

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

NMR

tensile testing

Rheology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research and development entity located in Kimberley, Northern Cape , is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to drive innovation in advanced polymer development. This role is critical for the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials with enhanced properties for applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. You will leverage your deep understanding of polymer chemistry and physics to lead projects from concept to prototype. This position offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment at our Kimberley facility. You will work closely with a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians, contributing to cutting-edge material solutions. The role involves a hybrid work arrangement, blending on-site laboratory work and collaborative sessions with flexible remote work options.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new polymeric materials, focusing on advanced synthesis techniques and formulation development.
• Characterize the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of developed polymers using techniques such as GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, tensile testing, and rheology.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize material performance for specific applications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate material performance in real-world applications and provide technical support.
• Develop and scale up synthesis processes for promising new materials.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in polymer science and technology.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the technical growth of the R&D team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in polymer synthesis, characterization, and application development.
• Proven expertise in polymer characterization techniques relevant to material properties.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics, chemistry, and processing.
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to material design.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation and successful project completion.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement planning.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including attendance at conferences and specialized training.
• Our research facility in Kimberley is equipped with advanced instrumentation.
• Join a collaborative and innovative environment focused on developing next-generation materials.
• The hybrid work model supports work-life balance while fostering team synergy and efficient project execution.
• Be part of a team that is shaping the future of materials.