Lead Materials Scientist (Polymers)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Bonus program

Health insurance

Relocation package

Stock options

Conference attendance

Advanced facilities

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Materials Scientist specializing in polymers to drive innovative R&D and material development. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and oversee projects from concept to commercialization, shaping next-generation polymer technologies.

The role requires a PhD in polymer science or related field, 8+ years of hands-on polymer R&D, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD in polymer science or related field.
• ≥8 years of hands-on polymer R&D with leadership/senior role.
• Expert in polymer synthesis, modification and structure-property relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of polymer characterization instrumentation.
• Experience with polymer processing methods and scale-up.
• Proven ability to manage R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong publications/patents in polymer science.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Regulatory familiarity relevant to polymer applications is a plus.
• Experience in Stellenbosch or similar clusters is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced polymers.
• Develop polymer formulations with enhanced properties.
• Oversee advanced characterization techniques (GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, microscopy).
• Manage pilot- and commercial-scale polymer processing (extrusion, molding).
• Collaborate with product development, engineering, and manufacturing teams.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and engineers.
• Author high-impact papers, patent applications, and reports.
• Present findings at conferences and engage with the scientific community.
• Ensure safety, environmental and quality standards in labs and pilot ops.
• Contribute to strategic direction of R&D roadmap.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Structure-property relationships

Polymer characterization

Leadership

Project management

Scientific communication

Mentoring

Regulatory awareness

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science or related field

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

NMR

Microscopy

Tensile testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in advanced materials manufacturing, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Materials Scientist specializing in Polymers to spearhead their innovative research and development efforts in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This leadership role is critical for driving the discovery, development, and application of novel polymeric materials that meet stringent performance requirements across various industries. You will be responsible for guiding a team of scientists and engineers, managing R&D projects, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, physics, processing, and characterization, coupled with strong leadership and project management skills. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on material innovation and contribute to cutting-edge product development in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. Our client is committed to pushing the boundaries of material science.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct research projects focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced polymers.
• Develop novel polymer formulations and materials with enhanced properties (e.g., thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance).
• Oversee the use of advanced characterization techniques such as GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, tensile testing, and microscopy.
• Manage pilot-scale and commercial-scale polymer processing (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, compounding).
• Collaborate closely with product development, engineering, and manufacturing teams to translate material innovations into commercial products.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and engineers, providing technical guidance and career development support.
• Author high-impact research papers, patent applications, and technical reports.
• Present findings at scientific conferences and engage with the broader materials science community.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards in all laboratory and pilot operations.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's materials science R&D roadmap.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on research and development experience in polymer science, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior scientist role.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, modification, and structure-property relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of polymer characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience with polymer processing methods and scale-up challenges.
• Proven ability to manage R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong track record of publications and patents in the field of polymer science.
• Experience in leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements relevant to polymer applications is a plus.
• Previous involvement in research initiatives within Stellenbosch, Western Cape or similar academic/industrial clusters is advantageous.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including superior health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced polymer characterization equipment.
• Generous relocation package for qualified candidates.
• Stock options or equity participation in a leading company.
• Paid attendance at major international conferences.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment focused on cutting-edge materials.
• Contribute to impactful innovations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
• Company-sponsored retirement plan.