Polymer Synthesis Research Scientist — Innovate

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Advanced facilities

Collaborative team atmosphere

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking a highly motivated Research Chemist with expertise in polymer synthesis to join their R&D team. You will design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymers in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, contributing to next-generation materials for advanced applications.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master's in Organic/Polymer Chemistry with 3–5 years of hands-on polymer synthesis and characterization experience, plus a strong grasp of structure–property

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on polymer synthesis and characterization experience.
• Strong understanding of polymerization mechanisms and structure–property relationships.
• Proficiency with common analytical techniques for polymer characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and meticulous experimental approach.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for novel polymers with tailored properties.
• Synthesize and characterize polymers using various polymerization techniques (free radical, condensation, anionic).
• Perform detailed structural and thermal analysis using NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA.
• Optimize existing synthetic processes to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Collaborate with product development teams to align research with market needs.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field

Tools

NMR

GPC

DSC

TGA

Job description

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking a highly motivated Research Chemist with expertise in polymer synthesis to join their R&D team. You will design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymers in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, contributing to next-generation materials for advanced applications.

The role requires a Ph.D. or Master's in Organic/Polymer Chemistry with 3–5 years of hands-on polymer synthesis and characterization experience, plus a strong grasp of structure–property