Principal Scientist - Polymer Chemistry R&D

Placements24; Richards Bay; Sur place; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive base salary

Bonus potential

Long-term incentives

Health coverage

Pension fund

Paid time off

Training and career progression

World-class facilities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead our Polymer Chemistry R&D in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. You will design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymers, set strategic research directions, and mentor scientists while collaborating with engineering and manufacturing to move materials from concept to commercialization.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years in polymer R&D, expertise across polymerization techniques, and a track record of publications and patents.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or closely related field.
• 8+ years in polymer R&D with publications and patents.
• Expertise in various polymerization techniques and polymer characterization.
• Ability to translate research into commercially viable polymers.
• Strong leadership and mentoring experience.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Lead fundamental and applied research in polymer chemistry.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes and scale-up.
• Characterize polymers using diverse analytical methods.
• Establish structure-property relationships for targeted performance.
• Collaborate with product development to define material requirements.
• Manage projects, resources, timelines and risk.
• Mentor scientists and technicians, promote rigor and innovation.
• Author reports, patents, and publications.
• Ensure safety and environmental best practices in the lab.

Connaissances

Polymer chemistry

R&D leadership

Mentoring

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Computational modeling

Formation

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Outils

Data analysis software

Computational modeling tools

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in advanced materials science, driving innovation in polymer technology. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist to lead our Polymer Chemistry Research & Development efforts in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This critical on-site role involves spearheading the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers with enhanced performance characteristics. You will be responsible for setting research direction, mentoring junior scientists, and collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to bring new materials from concept to commercialization. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of polymer synthesis, structure-property relationships, and advanced analytical techniques. We are looking for a visionary leader committed to pushing the boundaries of material science and contributing to impactful technological advancements. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth and leadership within a dynamic R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct fundamental and applied research in polymer chemistry, focusing on novel synthesis routes and material design.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes, including scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant.
• Characterize polymers using a wide range of analytical techniques (e.g., GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM).
• Establish structure-property relationships to guide the development of materials with targeted performance attributes.
• Collaborate with product development and application teams to define material requirements and solve customer challenges.
• Manage research projects, including resource allocation, timeline management, and risk assessment.
• Mentor and guide a team of scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Author technical reports, patent applications, and publications in high-impact scientific journals.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and environmental best practices in the laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in polymer R&D, with a strong publication and patent record.
• Expertise in various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation) and polymer characterization methods.
• Proven ability to translate fundamental research into commercially viable polymer technologies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring scientific staff.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in scientific literature searching and data analysis software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively.
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits include premium health coverage, a robust pension fund, and generous paid time off.
• We invest in our employees' growth through extensive training programs, support for conference participation, and clear career progression pathways.
• You will have access to world-class research facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
• Our client promotes a collaborative and innovative work culture, encouraging scientific excellence and mutual respect.