Lead Catalyst Development Scientist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive compensation andBon

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings contributions

Parental leave and vacation time

International collaborations and travе

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Culture of innovation and growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Catalyst Development Scientist for its George facility. You will drive discovery, development and commercialization of catalytic materials, leading a multidisciplinary team in synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.

The role requires a PhD with 10+ years in catalysis, strong publications, and ability to translate lab results into scalable processes. Join a cutting-edge research environment with collaboration across engineering and technology groups.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• 10+ years post-doctoral experience in catalysis, with significant industrial R&D.
• Expertise in heterogeneous catalysis including synthesis and characterization.
• Proven leadership of research projects and teams.
• Strong publication record and scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead R&D of new catalytic materials and processes.
• Lead and mentor scientists and technicians in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and testing.
• Design experiments to investigate reaction mechanisms and optimize catalyst performance.
• Utilize TEM, XRD, BET and spectroscopy to elucidate structure–activity relationships.
• Collaborate with process engineers to translate lab findings into scalable processes.
• Stay abreast of catalysis advances through literature and conferences.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to milestones.
• Prepare publications, patent applications, and internal reports.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in all lab operations.
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders at forums.

Skills

Team leadership

Experimental design

Characterization

Scientific writing

Problem solving

Communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Engineering

Tools

TEM

XRD

BET

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in advanced materials and chemical innovation, seeking a distinguished Lead Catalyst Development Scientist to join their cutting-edge research facility in George, Western Cape. This senior role is central to driving the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel catalytic materials that will define the future of sustainable chemical manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess a deep scientific understanding of catalysis, coupled with a proven track record of leading research teams and delivering breakthrough innovations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of catalysis research and development at a company committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific achievement in George, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the research and development of new catalytic materials and processes for various industrial applications.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and technicians in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Design and execute experimental plans to investigate reaction mechanisms and optimize catalyst performance.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., TEM, XRD, BET, spectroscopy) to elucidate catalyst structure-activity relationships.
• Collaborate closely with process engineers to translate laboratory findings into scalable industrial processes.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in catalysis science and technology through literature review and conference participation.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to achieve research milestones.
• Prepare high-quality scientific publications, patent applications, and internal technical reports.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations in all laboratory operations.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders and external partners at scientific forums.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in catalysis, with a significant portion in an industrial R&D setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, including synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic studies.
• Proven experience in leading and managing research projects and teams.
• Proficiency in a wide range of catalyst characterization techniques and performance evaluation protocols.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, with a strong publication record.
• Ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering principles.
• Experience with computational chemistry tools is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package and performance-based bonuses.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Significant contribution to retirement savings.
• Paid parental leave and extensive vacation time.
• Opportunities for international collaborations and travel.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• A culture that fosters innovation, scientific rigor, and professional growth.