Principal Materials Scientist - Polymer Engineering

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Excellent compensation package

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist to lead research in advanced polymer materials at a state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng. The role requires 10+ years in polymers, PhD, and strong leadership skills to mentor a team of researchers.

The position emphasizes driving projects from concept through commercialization, collaborating across product development and manufacturing, and publishing impactful results.

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field with 10+ years of polymer-focused research experience.
• Proven track record leading R&D projects and research teams.
• Strong publications and/or patents in polymer science or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymer materials for high-tech applications.
• Develop processing techniques to optimize performance and manufacturability.
• Analyze material properties using spectroscopy, microscopy, rheology, and mechanical tests.
• Guide projects from concept to commercialization, aligning with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, and external partners for tech transfer.
• Mentor scientists and engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Author reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Stay abreast of trends in polymer science and engineering.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Mechanical testing

Polymer processing

R&D project leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science / Polymer Science / Chemical Engineering

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in advanced materials innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Materials Scientist to join their dedicated research and development hub located in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior position is critical for leading groundbreaking research into novel polymer materials and their applications across various high-tech industries. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of materials science, driving innovation from concept through to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding coupled with extensive practical experience in polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant research initiatives and mentor a team of talented scientists and engineers within a state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng. This role requires full-time presence at our client's facility in Centurion, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymer materials for demanding applications.
• Develop innovative processing techniques to optimize material performance and manufacturability.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of material properties using techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, rheology, and mechanical testing.
• Oversee and guide research projects from conceptualization to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate closely with product development, manufacturing, and external partners to facilitate technology transfer.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to a team of materials scientists and engineers.
• Author technical reports, patent applications, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Maintain an awareness of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science and engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience, with a focus on polymers.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis, modification, characterization (e.g., GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR), and mechanical testing.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex R&D projects and managing research teams.
• Strong understanding of polymer processing techniques (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, additive manufacturing).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.
• Record of impactful publications and/or patents.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Significant investment in professional development and training.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure.
• Opportunities to present work at international conferences.
• Relocation package for eligible candidates.