Research Chemist - Polymer Science

Placements24; The Islands (MS); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Research Chemist specializing in Polymer Science to join our R&D team in Paarl. The role focuses on design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials for advanced applications, with opportunities to explore new material properties and optimize synthesis techniques.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, contribute to next‑generation products, maintain rigorous research records, and participate in patent filings and

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel polymers using various polymerization techniques.
• Investigate structure-property relationships of polymers using analytical methods (GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR).
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes to achieve targeted molecular weights and architectures.
• Formulate and process polymers for end-use applications and evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to translate findings into viable concepts.
• Maintain thorough research records and contribute to patents and publications.

Skills

polymer synthesis

structure-property relationships

problem solving

team collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Polymer Chemistry or related

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Microscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Research Chemist specializing in Polymer Science to join their R&D team in Paarl . This role focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials for advanced applications. You will be integral in exploring new material properties, optimizing synthesis techniques, and contributing to the development of next-generation products. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and contribute to significant advancements in material science within a supportive and innovative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel polymers using a range of polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, anionic).
• Investigate structure-property relationships of synthesized polymers using advanced analytical methods (e.g., GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR).
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes to achieve desired molecular weights, compositions, and architectures.
• Formulate and process polymeric materials for specific end-use applications, evaluating their performance.
• Collaborate with materials engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into viable product concepts.
• Maintain comprehensive research records and contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of various polymerization mechanisms and techniques.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, and microscopy.
• Experience with polymer processing techniques and material performance testing.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for professional development.
• A stimulating research environment in the picturesque region of Paarl, with hybrid work flexibility.