Advanced Polymer Scientist: Synthesis & Characterization

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Advanced labs

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a senior Research Scientist in Polymer Chemistry to develop novel materials for packaging, coatings, and composites. You will design syntheses, study structure–property relationships, and optimize polymerization processes.

Strong expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization is required, with collaboration across teams in a dynamic R&D environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of polymer synthesis/characterization research.
• Experience with free radical, condensation, and controlled/living polymerizations.
• Proficiency in polymer characterization methods.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymerization reactions to synthesize novel polymers.
• Characterize polymers using GPC/SEC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical tests.
• Optimize polymerization processes to achieve target properties and yields.
• Collaborate with application teams to tailor properties for end-use.
• Maintain records and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Structure-property relationships

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC/SEC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a senior Research Scientist in Polymer Chemistry to develop novel materials for packaging, coatings, and composites. You will design syntheses, study structure–property relationships, and optimize polymerization processes.

Strong expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization is required, with collaboration across teams in a dynamic R&D environment.