Chemical Process Development Scientist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Process Development Scientist to join its R&D team in Port Elizabeth in a hybrid role that blends laboratory work with scale-up activities.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or MSc in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with 3+ years in process development, strong organic synthesis and reaction engineering knowledge, and proficiency in HPLC, GC, and NMR. Process modeling experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in chemical process development or scale-up.
• Strong background in organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR).
• Experience with process modeling and simulation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and processes.
• Investigate reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer phenomena to improve process efficiency and yield.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant, troubleshooting scale-up challenges.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for process monitoring and product characterization.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and patent disclosures.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.

Skills

Problem-solving

Hybrid teamwork

Education

PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Process modeling & simulation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and analytical Chemical Process Development Scientist to join their innovative R&D team in Port Elizabeth . This hybrid role combines laboratory-based research with process scale-up activities, offering a dynamic work environment. You will be instrumental in developing new chemical processes, optimizing existing ones, and transitioning them from laboratory bench to pilot plant and eventually to commercial production. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in chemistry and chemical engineering principles, coupled with hands‑on experience in process scale-up and a passion for innovation, working collaboratively to bring novel chemical products to market through meticulous research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and processes.
• Investigate reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer phenomena to improve process efficiency and yield.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant, troubleshooting challenges encountered during scale-up.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for process monitoring and product characterization.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and patent disclosures.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry , Chemical Engineering , or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in chemical process development or scale-up.
• Strong background in organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and separation technologies.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR).
• Experience with process modeling and simulation is advantageous.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work effectively in a hybrid R&D setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual performance bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between lab and remote work.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits and retirement savings plan.
• Generous support for professional development and conference attendance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge chemical technologies and make a significant impact.