Lead Research Chemist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Annual bonus program

Career growth opportunities

Access to cutting-edge research labs

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement fund contributions

Potential for international travel

Job summary

Placements24 leads a world-renowned materials and specialty chemicals group and seeks a Lead Research Chemist in Gauteng to head a team of chemists and researchers. You will guide discovery and synthesis of novel compounds for diverse applications, translating lab work into viable candidates.

You will mentor staff, design innovative synthetic routes, and collaborate cross-functionally with process development, analytical chemistry, and marketing to drive project success.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic or Inorganic Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive chemical R&D experience with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Proven track record in synthetic chemistry with publications or patent portfolio.
• Experience with modern synthesis and characterization techniques.
• Proficiency with advanced analytical instrumentation and software.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team to design, synthesize, and characterize new chemical entities.
• Oversee research from concept to scale-up feasibility studies.
• Develop novel synthetic methodologies for complex molecules.
• Perform literature reviews and patent searches to identify opportunities.
• Design experiments to optimize conditions, yields, and purity.
• Analyze spectroscopic data (NMR, MS) and analytical results.
• Ensure adherence to safety and lab practices.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster growth.
• Collaborate with process development, analytical chemistry, and marketing.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic chemistry.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Synthetic chemistry

Analytical techniques

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Scientific reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

PhD in Inorganic Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a world-renowned leader in the development of advanced materials and specialty chemicals, and they are currently seeking an exceptional Lead Research Chemist to spearhead innovative projects at their state-of-the-art facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. This is a crucial leadership position responsible for guiding a team of talented chemists and researchers in the discovery and synthesis of novel compounds with diverse applications. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of organic and inorganic chemistry, coupled with a proven track record of successfully translating laboratory discoveries into viable product candidates. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence product pipelines, foster scientific excellence, and contribute to the company's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of chemical science. You will be at the forefront of innovation, working in a dynamic and collaborative setting that encourages creativity and rigorous scientific inquiry. The position is based in the vibrant industrial hub of Gauteng, offering a strategic advantage for market access and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of research chemists and technicians in the design, synthesis, and characterization of new chemical entities.
• Oversee the entire research process from conceptualization and laboratory experimentation to scale-up feasibility studies.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic methodologies to create complex molecules with desired properties.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews and patent searches to identify research opportunities and avoid duplication.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize reaction conditions, improve yields, and enhance product purity.
• Analyze and interpret complex spectroscopic and analytical data (e.g., NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Ensure rigorous adherence to safety protocols and laboratory best practices.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research proposals, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior members of the research team, fostering their scientific growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including process development, analytical chemistry, and marketing, to ensure project success.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic chemistry and related fields.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in chemical research and development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic/inorganic chemistry, with a strong publication record or patent portfolio.
• Extensive experience with a wide range of modern synthetic techniques and characterization methods.
• Proficiency in using advanced analytical instrumentation and software.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Strong understanding of chemical process development principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Experience working in a fast-paced R&D environment, preferably within the specialty chemical or materials science sector.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, reflecting extensive experience and leadership capabilities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous annual bonus structure based on performance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Access to cutting-edge research equipment and facilities in Tembisa.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Potential for international travel for conferences and collaborations.
• A supportive and innovative work culture.