Chemical Engineer - Research and Development (Polymers)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an innovative Chemical Engineer to join our Bloemfontein R&D team. You will lead polymer synthesis efforts, design experiments, and translate lab results into scalable production methods in a hybrid setting.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in polymer science, strong data analysis, and experience with DSC, TGA, GPC, FTIR. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to drive material innovation.

Qualifications

• Masters/PhD in chemical engineering with polymer focus.
• 5+ years in polymer R&D or related field.
• Experience with DSC, TGA, GPC, FTIR characterization.
• Strong data analysis and experimental design skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into new polymer synthesis routes.
• Design and execute lab experiments to evaluate material properties.
• Develop scalable polymerization processes with reproducibility.
• Analyze data and guide next research steps.
• Collaborate with chemists, material scientists, and process engineers.
• Assist in scale-up from lab to pilot plant.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Experiment design

Data analysis

Lab equipment

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science

Tools

DSC

TGA

GPC

FTIR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering materials science company, is seeking an innovative Chemical Engineer to join their Research and Development team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is central to the development of novel polymer materials and advanced manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research, conduct experimental work, and translate laboratory findings into scalable production methods. This hybrid position requires a blend of in-lab experimentation and analytical work, with opportunities to collaborate with global R&D centers. If you are passionate about material innovation and possess strong foundational chemical engineering principles, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in polymer science.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research into new polymer synthesis routes and material formulations.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to evaluate material properties and performance.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide further research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists, material scientists, and process engineers.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose solutions to overcome technical challenges.
• Document research findings through technical reports, presentations, and patent applications.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements in polymer chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Assist in the scale-up of promising new materials from lab bench to pilot plant.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Science/Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research and development experience, specifically in polymer science.
• Strong understanding of polymer synthesis, characterization techniques, and structure-property relationships.
• Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis.
• Experience with laboratory equipment such as reactors, analytical instruments (e.g., DSC, TGA, GPC, FTIR), and mechanical testers.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative R&D team.
• Familiarity with process scale-up principles is a plus.
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for scientific discovery.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• We offer generous paid time off and significant opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international conferences and specialized training programs.
• This hybrid role in Bloemfontein offers a chance to work on exciting projects at the forefront of materials innovation.