Process Chemist - Industrial Scale-up

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Process Chemist to lead projects in industrial synthesis and process optimization at our Richards Bay facility. You will scale up lab processes to pilot and production levels, identify hazards, and implement improvements for safe, cost-efficient operations.

You will collaborate with chemical engineers and analytical chemists to optimize yield, purity, and process control while mentoring junior staff and maintaining thorough documentation.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, or Physical) or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry, chemical scale-up, or chemical process development in an industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proven experience with industrial chemical processes and equipment.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Experience in optimizing chemical reactions for yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to process monitoring and control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to work effectively on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and participate in hybrid working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for scale-up from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures to ensure safe operation at industrial scale.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process yield, purity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Monitor and control key process parameters to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with chemical engineers to design and commission new process equipment and optimize existing systems.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical reports.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry, green chemistry, and chemical engineering technologies.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop and validate in-process control methods.
• Train and mentor junior chemists and process operators.

Skills

Process chemistry

Industrial scale-up

Hazard analysis (PHA)

Kinetics & thermodynamics

Analytical techniques

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking an experienced Process Chemist to lead critical projects focused on industrial-scale synthesis and process optimization. This role is central to ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of key chemical compounds. The successful candidate will be responsible for scaling up laboratory processes to pilot and full production levels, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and implementing process improvements. You will join a dedicated team of chemists and engineers at our facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This is an excellent opportunity for a chemist with a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and a passion for driving innovation in industrial chemical processes. We are looking for a proactive individual to contribute significantly to our manufacturing excellence in Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for scale-up from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures to ensure safe operation at industrial scale.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process yield, purity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Monitor and control key process parameters to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with chemical engineers to design and commission new process equipment and optimize existing systems.
• Generate detailed process documentation, including batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical reports.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry, green chemistry, and chemical engineering technologies.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop and validate in-process control methods.
• Train and mentor junior chemists and process operators.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, or Physical) or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry, chemical scale-up, or chemical process development in an industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer.
• Proven experience with industrial chemical processes and equipment.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Experience in optimizing chemical reactions for yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to process monitoring and control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to work effectively on-site in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and participate in hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, including training in advanced process technologies and participation in industry conferences.
• This role provides the chance to work on high-impact projects within the chemical manufacturing sector.
• The working environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is dynamic and collaborative, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• We are committed to employee well-being and provide a supportive atmosphere.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates moving to the Richards Bay area.