Lead Polymer Chemist & Innovation Leader (Sandton)

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Healthcare coverage

Career development

State-of-the-art facilities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Research Scientist in Sandton to lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymers. You will mentor junior scientists and collaborate across departments to translate discoveries into next-generation products.

The role demands a PhD with extensive polymer research experience, strong leadership, and a track record of high-impact publications. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities within a collaborative, innovative environment

Qualifications

• PhD in polymer-focused field and 8+ years of relevant research experience.
• Proven track record leading major polymer research projects and publications.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Expertise in polymerization techniques and polymer characterization.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists/postdocs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of novel polymers and macromolecules with specific functional properties.
• Develop and optimize polymerization techniques, including controlled/living polymerization methods.
• Characterize polymers using advanced analytical techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and rheology.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide material design and application development.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and postdoctoral researchers in polymer science.
• Collaborate with product development and engineering teams to translate research into commercial applications.

Skills

Leadership

Polymer chemistry

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Rheology

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Research Scientist in Sandton to lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymers. You will mentor junior scientists and collaborate across departments to translate discoveries into next-generation products.

The role demands a PhD with extensive polymer research experience, strong leadership, and a track record of high-impact publications. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities within a collaborative, innovative environment