Lead Polymer Scientist for Materials Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Advanced instrumentation access

Conference attendance and training

Research collaboration culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Polymer Chemistry to lead R&D programs focused on the synthesis and characterization of new polymers and composites. You will guide projects from concept through testing and help translate findings into practical, scalable processes.

You will mentor junior researchers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay abreast of trends in polymer science while driving innovative solutions with a focus on industrial applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of industrial or post-doctoral research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven expertise in various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, living polymerization).
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and mechanical testing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage research projects and deliver innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research programs focused on the synthesis and characterization of new polymers and polymer composites.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to tailor material performance for specific applications.
• Utilize advanced polymerization techniques and analytical methods to evaluate polymer properties.
• Collaborate with product development engineers to translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging trends in polymer science and engineering.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a positive and productive research culture.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Characterization techniques

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Job description

Placements24 in Kimberley is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Polymer Chemistry to lead R&D programs focused on the synthesis and characterization of new polymers and composites. You will guide projects from concept through testing and help translate findings into practical, scalable processes.

You will mentor junior researchers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and stay abreast of trends in polymer science while driving innovative solutions with a focus on industrial applications.