Lead Polymer Scientist & R&D Innovation Leader

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

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.