Senior Chemical Engineer - Catalysis Research

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with specialization in Catalysis Research to join a Randburg-based facility. You will lead projects on catalyst design, synthesis, and testing, advancing catalytic processes for industrial applications.

The role emphasizes kinetic studies, advanced characterization, and scalability from lab to pilot plant, with opportunities to publish and contribute to IP. Mentorship and safety are core priorities.

Qualifications

• PhD with a strong focus on catalysis.
• 7+ years post-PhD or industrial catalysis experience.
• Experience with catalyst synthesis and characterization.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of catalysts.
• Develop and optimize catalytic processes for industrial applications.
• Conduct kinetic studies, mechanistic investigations, and catalyst deactivation analyses.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques for catalyst characterization.
• Scale-up catalytic processes from lab to pilot plant.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of chemists and engineers.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to patents and IP development.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians in catalysis research.
• Ensure safety and environmental responsibility in all activities.

Skills

Catalysis research

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Spectroscopy equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced materials and chemical innovation, is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer with specialized expertise in Catalysis Research. This role is based in their state-of-the-art research facility in Randburg, Gauteng . You will be instrumental in developing novel catalytic processes and materials that drive efficiency and sustainability in chemical transformations. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background in catalysis, significant hands-on research experience, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of chemical science. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in the dynamic environment of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts.
• Develop and optimize catalytic reaction processes for industrial applications.
• Conduct kinetic studies, mechanistic investigations, and catalyst deactivation analyses.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography) for catalyst characterization.
• Scale-up promising catalytic processes from laboratory to pilot plant scale.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, materials scientists, and process engineers.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to patent applications and intellectual property development.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians in catalysis research.
• Ensure all research activities adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, with a strong focus on catalysis.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in catalysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation.
• Proven experience with various catalytic reaction systems and process optimization.
• Strong understanding of surface science, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency with common laboratory and analytical equipment relevant to catalysis research.
• Experience with computational chemistry or modeling of catalytic processes is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research initiatives and manage projects.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous retirement fund. We provide extensive opportunities for career advancement, including funding for further education, professional development courses, and participation in global research forums. This position is based in Randburg , a key hub for innovation in Gauteng . Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Join a world-class research team and make a lasting impact on chemical technology.