R&D Scientist

Elchemie; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Elchemie in Durban seeks an experienced R&D leader to drive polymer chemistry and resin technology innovations. You will design, synthesize and evaluate new systems aligned with business goals, delivering scalable manufacturing processes and strong IP value.

With 7–10 years of industrial polymer R&D, you will mentor teams, guide sustainability initiatives, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners to advance next‑generation materials and commercial solutions.

Qualifications

• MSc (or internationally recognised equivalent) in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years' industrial R&D experience in polymer science, resin technology or related chemical industries.
• Proven experience developing new polymer chemistries and formulations from concept to commercialisation.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, experimental design, statistical analysis, scale‑up and technology transfer, polymer characterisation.
• Track record of delivering innovative technologies with measurable commercial value.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept through laboratory development, pilot-scale trials, manufacturing implementation and commercialisation.
• Translate laboratory developments into robust manufacturing processes.
• Mentor chemists and technicians; promote innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers and technology partners.
• Support scale‑up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Formulation development

Scale-up

Statistical analysis

Sustainability focus

Collaborative mindset

Education

MSc in Polymer Science

Job description

What you’ll be doing

• Conduct fundamental and applied research from first principles to develop innovative polymer chemistries, resin technologies and formulations.
• Design, synthesise and evaluate new polymer systems aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Develop sustainable polymer technologies incorporating renewable raw materials, recycled feedstocks and environmentally responsible chemistries.
• Develop alternative technologies that strengthen the company's intellectual property and reduce dependence on licensed technologies.
• Identify and develop breakthrough technologies supporting long‑term business growth.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, scientific literature and market developments
• Contribute to patent generation, intellectual property development and proprietary technology
• Lead R&D projects from concept through laboratory development, pilot‑scale trials, manufacturing implementation and commercialisation
• Manage multiple concurrent research projects while meeting agreed milestones and timelines.
• Translate laboratory developments into robust manufacturing processes.
• Support scale‑up activities and manufacturing implementation
• Provide specialist technical support during customer qualification and product commercialisation.
• Prepare technical specifications, reports and supporting documentation
• Develop collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers and technology partners
• Evaluate emerging raw materials, catalysts and processing technologies.
• Mentor chemists and technicians
• Promote a culture of innovation, scientific excellence and continuous improvement
• Support technical capability development and succession planning.

What you’ll need

• MSc (or internationally recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification) in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 7–10 years' industrial R&D experience within polymer science, resin technology or related chemical industries
• Demonstrated experience developing new polymer chemistries and formulations from concept to commercialisation.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, experimental design, statistical analysis of experimental data, scale‑up and technology transfer, polymer characterisation.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative technologies with measurable commercial value
• Experience working with sustainability initiatives, circular economy technologies or renewable feedstocks would be advantageous.
• Experience working within an international technical environment or collaborating with external research institutions would be advantageous.
• Scientific innovation and creative problem solving
• Technology awareness and innovation mindset
• Customer and business focus

What is in it for you?

• Market related remuneration, including benefits
• Opportunity to lead the development of next‑generation polymer technologies
• Exposure to cutting‑edge research focused on sustainability, circular economy and advanced materials
• A technically challenging role with significant influence on the company's future innovation strategy.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading universities, research institutions and international technology partners
• Competitive remuneration package aligned with qualifications and experience.
• Professional development and career growth within a leading polymer manufacturing company.

A Few Things to Know

• Commitment to Safety, Customer Service, Integrity, and Innovation is at the heart of our success.
• We are looking for a results‑driven Manager who has the ability to work under pressure and has a mindset of continuous improvement

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