Lead Chemist - Materials Science

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonus

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Retirement plan with company match

Professional development funding

George facility access to advanced lab

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Chemist (Materials Science) to head innovative R&D in George. You will guide chemists and technicians, shape project directions, and drive material development from concept to testing with rigorous scientific standards.

The role demands a PhD/Masters and 7+ years of materials-focused research, strong leadership, and excellent communication. Expect a competitive salary, medical benefits, and professional growth opportunities at our George facility.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive R&D experience focusing on materials.
• Proven leadership of R&D projects and teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects in materials science and synthetic chemistry.
• Mentor chemists and lab technicians, oversee experimental design and execution.
• Develop and characterize novel materials using advanced analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate new materials into products.
• Manage lab resources, safety protocols and R&D budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

R&D leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry/Materials Science

Tools

NMR

IR

UV-Vis

GC

HPLC

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Chemist specializing in Materials Science to spearhead innovative research initiatives from their George facility. This senior role involves guiding a team of chemists and technicians in the development of novel materials with advanced properties for various industrial applications. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of material innovation, driving projects from conceptualization through to application testing, and ensuring the highest standards of scientific excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned chemist to lead impactful projects and influence technological advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects in materials science and synthetic chemistry.
• Direct and mentor a team of chemists and laboratory technicians, overseeing experimental design and execution.
• Develop and characterize novel materials, utilizing advanced analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to integrate new materials into existing product lines.
• Manage laboratory resources, safety protocols, and R&D budgets effectively.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials chemistry and relevant industries.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical research and development, with a focus on materials.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing R&D projects and teams.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy (NMR, IR, UV-Vis), chromatography (GC, HPLC), and thermal analysis (DSC, TGA).
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, solid-state chemistry, or nanotechnology.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Professional development opportunities and funding for external courses/conferences.
• A dynamic work environment in George with access to advanced research equipment.