Junior Chemical Engineer - Research and Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Entry-level salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Mentorship

Cutting-edge R&D exposure

Dynamic culture

Groundbreaking products

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a motivated Junior Chemical Engineer to join its Research and Development team. This entry-level role supports laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scaling promising technologies, offering hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.

You will work with experienced scientists, develop technical skills, and contribute to the innovation pipeline while growing your career in chemical R&D.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Strong academic background with a solid understanding of chemical principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills in a research environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
• Familiarity with basic experimental design and data analysis techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments to test new chemical formulations and processes.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using statistical methods.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot plant and/or full production scale.
• Conduct literature reviews and research to identify new technologies and trends.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Collaborate with R&D team members on various research projects.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations on research findings.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an enthusiastic and curious Junior Chemical Engineer to join their dedicated Research and Development team in Soweto, Gauteng. This entry-level position is perfect for a recent graduate passionate about innovation and eager to contribute to the development of new products and processes. You will work closely with experienced scientists and engineers, assisting in laboratory experiments, data analysis, and the scale-up of promising technologies. This role provides an excellent foundation for a career in chemical R&D, offering hands‑on experience in a dynamic and supportive environment. Your contributions will be vital in exploring new chemical frontiers and driving the company's innovation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments to test new chemical formulations and processes.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using statistical methods.
• Support the scale-up of laboratory processes to pilot plant and/or full production scale.
• Conduct literature reviews and research to identify new technologies and trends.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Collaborate with R&D team members on various research projects.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations on research findings.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Strong academic background with a solid understanding of chemical principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills in a research environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
• Familiarity with basic experimental design and data analysis techniques is a plus.
• A proactive and detail-oriented approach to tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive entry-level salary.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Mentorship from experienced R&D professionals.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research and development projects.
• A dynamic and innovative work culture.
• Chance to contribute to groundbreaking new products.