Principal Chemist: Polymer Synthesis & Innovation Leader

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Stock options

Leadership training

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks a Principal Chemist with a deep background in Polymer Synthesis to lead advanced projects in our R&D division. The role requires steering complex research, mentoring chemists, and translating laboratory discoveries into scalable processes within state-of-the-art facilities.

You will design novel synthetic routes, optimize pathways for targeted properties, and collaborate with cross-functional teams while staying abreast of literature and patents in polymer

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry required.
• 8+ years in polymer synthesis with strong publication record.
• Experience leading research projects and teams.
• Expertise in radical, controlled/living, and condensation polymerization.
• Proficiency in polymer characterization and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex polymer synthesis projects.
• Develop and optimize synthetic pathways for targeted properties.
• Analyze and characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, DSC, and TGA.
• Mentor junior chemists and researchers in Rustenburg laboratory.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale lab discoveries.
• Stay current with literature and patent landscapes in polymer chemistry.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Leadership

Mentorship

Problem solving

Polymer characterization

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Job description

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks a Principal Chemist with a deep background in Polymer Synthesis to lead advanced projects in our R&D division. The role requires steering complex research, mentoring chemists, and translating laboratory discoveries into scalable processes within state-of-the-art facilities.

You will design novel synthetic routes, optimize pathways for targeted properties, and collaborate with cross-functional teams while staying abreast of literature and patents in polymer