Principal Chemist - Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Retirement plan

Paid annual leave

Conference funding

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Principal Chemist specializing in Organic Synthesis and Catalysis to lead advanced research projects, mentor chemists, and contribute to IP development at a premier facility.

You will design multi-step syntheses, optimize catalytic systems, supervise a team, manage projects from concept through scale-up, and publish findings while supporting patent filings in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of post‑doctoral and industrial research in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Significant experience in design, development, and application of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
• Proficiency with a wide range of analytical techniques for structural elucidation and purity assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex multi‑step organic synthesis projects to create novel chemical entities.
• Develop and optimize catalytic systems for efficient and selective chemical transformations.
• Supervise and mentor junior chemists, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Manage research projects from conception through to scale‑up, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence.
• Conduct thorough literature surveys and patent analysis to identify new research opportunities.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, MS, IR, HPLC, GC).
• Author high‑quality research publications and present findings at leading scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the filing and prosecution of patent applications.

Skills

Organic Synthesis

Catalysis

Leadership

Scientific Writing

Mentoring

Project Management

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

IR

HPLC

GC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier scientific research and development organization, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemist specializing in Organic Synthesis and Catalysis for its **Pretoria** facility. This senior role is integral to our innovation pipeline, focusing on the design and synthesis of novel organic molecules and the development of advanced catalytic processes. You will lead complex research projects, mentor a team of talented chemists, and contribute significantly to intellectual property development. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive background in synthetic organic chemistry, expertise in catalysis, and a strong publication record. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a world‑class research team in **Pretoria**, Gauteng, and drive advancements in chemical sciences that have far-reaching industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex multi‑step organic synthesis projects to create novel chemical entities.
• Develop and optimize catalytic systems for efficient and selective chemical transformations.
• Supervise and mentor junior chemists, providing technical guidance and fostering professional development.
• Manage research projects from conception through to scale‑up, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence.
• Conduct thorough literature surveys and patent analysis to identify new research opportunities.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, MS, IR, HPLC, GC).
• Author high‑quality research publications and present findings at leading scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the filing and prosecution of patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of post‑doctoral and industrial research experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Significant experience in the design, development, and application of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
• Proficiency with a wide range of analytical techniques for structural elucidation and purity assessment.
• Proven track record of successful project leadership and team management.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with process chemistry and scale‑up considerations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property and patent landscapes.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary, performance‑based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits suite. This includes private healthcare coverage, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid annual leave. Professional development is strongly encouraged through funding for conferences, workshops, and continuous education. Employees have access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities in **Pretoria**, Gauteng. This role adopts a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of on‑site collaboration and remote work flexibility, fostering an optimal work‑life balance. We are committed to supporting our employees' growth and contributions in the field of chemical sciences.