Senior Polymer Scientist - On-Site Leadership in Queenstown

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 107,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist specializing in Polymer Chemistry to join our R&D team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers for diverse applications, driving innovation and contributing to next-generation materials.

You will mentor junior researchers, manage complex projects, and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals while collaborating with engineers to translate laboratory results into real-world

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or related field with a strong polymers focus.
• 6+ years of post-PhD or industrial polymer research experience.
• Hands-on experience with polymerization techniques (free radical, condensation, living polymerization).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of new polymeric materials, including synthesis, modification, and formulation.
• Design experiments to study polymerization kinetics, mechanisms, and control.
• Characterize polymers using GPC/SEC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR and rheology.
• Develop structure–property relationships to guide polymer design.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate lab findings into applications.
• Troubleshoot issues related to polymer synthesis, processing, and performance.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to scientific growth of the team.
• Author technical reports, patent applications and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Independent conceptualization

Analytical problem solving

Written communication

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or related field

Tools

GPC/SEC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist specializing in Polymer Chemistry to join our R&D team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers for diverse applications, driving innovation and contributing to next-generation materials.

You will mentor junior researchers, manage complex projects, and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals while collaborating with engineers to translate laboratory results into real-world