Junior Chemical Engineer - R&D Support

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Mentorship program

Training opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Junior Chemical Engineer for a Randburg-based R&D role. You will support senior researchers in developing and testing new chemical formulations, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to innovative projects in a hybrid lab-and-remote setup.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and up to 3 years of experience. You will assist with experiments, data analysis, safety compliance, and documentation, while developing skills in process scale-up

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0–3 years of relevant chemical engineering experience preferred.
• Strong data analysis and lab safety familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Assist in laboratory experiments and pilot-scale testing.
• Analyze data and generate reports.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot plant operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safety protocols.
• Prepare materials for experiments and literature reviews.

Skills

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Statistical tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking chemical research and development firm, is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Chemical Engineer to support their innovative projects in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is crucial for assisting senior researchers and engineers in the development and testing of new chemical formulations and processes. You will gain invaluable hands‑on experience in a dynamic R&D environment, contributing to cutting‑edge advancements. The position offers a hybrid work model, providing a blend of essential on‑site laboratory work and data analysis/reporting from a remote location. We are dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging talent in the chemical sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers and researchers in laboratory experiments and pilot‑scale testing.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, generating clear and concise reports.
• Support the scale‑up of laboratory processes to pilot plant operations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct literature reviews and research on new chemical technologies and methodologies.
• Prepare materials for experiments, including chemical solutions and reagents.
• Assist in troubleshooting experimental setups and process issues.
• Contribute to the development of new product formulations and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of all experiments and results.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for project advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience in chemical engineering, internships or co‑op experience is highly valued.
• Strong academic foundation in chemical engineering principles.
• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and safety procedures.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, basic statistical tools).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when required.
• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills in an R&D setting.
• Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment with hybrid flexibility.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive entry‑level salary of R per annum, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a provident fund, and significant opportunities for professional development and mentorship. This role provides an excellent platform for early‑career engineers to build a strong foundation in chemical R&D. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a good work‑life balance. Join a team that is passionate about innovation and committed to supporting your career growth. Further details on training programs and potential for advancement will be discussed.