Research Chemical Engineer - New Materials Development

Placements24; Polokwane; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Research Chemical Engineer to join a leading materials science team in Polokwane. The role focuses on synthesis, characterization, and scale-up of novel materials for diverse industrial applications.

You will design experiments, utilize advanced characterization techniques, and develop pilot-scale processes while collaborating with scientists and engineers across disciplines. A PhD and 5+ years of relevant experience are preferred.

Formación

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in materials development.
• Proven experience in synthesis and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, catalysts, nanoparticles).
• Expertise in at least one characterization technique (SEM, TEM, XRD, NMR, FTIR).
• Experience with process development and scale-up of chemical processes.
• Familiarity with computational modeling tools for materials and processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a publication record.

Responsabilidades

• Design and conduct experiments for synthesis and processing of new materials (polymers, composites, nanomaterials).
• Characterize material properties using spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize pilot-scale processes for material production with scalability and reproducibility.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to guide experimental design and scale-up.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners to explore new applications for developed materials.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports and publications.
• Ensure safe laboratory practices and compliance with R&D protocols.
• Present research findings at conferences and internal meetings.
• Troubleshoot challenges in material synthesis and processing.
• Stay abreast of latest research and developments in materials science and chemical engineering.

Conocimientos

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Publication record

Collaborative work

Educación

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Herramientas

SEM

TEM

XRD

NMR

FTIR

Computational modeling tools

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development institution, is seeking an innovative Research Chemical Engineer to join their cutting-edge materials science division in **Polokwane**. This role focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and scale-up of novel materials for diverse industrial applications. You will be at the forefront of scientific discovery, working with advanced equipment and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in materials science in a key northern province of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments for the synthesis and processing of new materials, including polymers, composites, or nanomaterials.
• Characterize material properties using techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize pilot-scale processes for material production, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.
• Perform process modeling and simulations to guide experimental design and scale-up.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners to explore new applications for developed materials.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports and publications.
• Ensure safe laboratory practices and compliance with relevant R&D protocols.
• Present research findings at conferences and internal review meetings.
• Troubleshoot challenges in material synthesis and processing.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological developments in materials science and chemical engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in materials development.
• Proven experience in synthesis and characterization of advanced materials (e.g., polymers, catalysts, nanoparticles).
• Expertise in at least one characterization technique (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, NMR, FTIR).
• Experience with process development and scale-up of chemical processes.
• Familiarity with computational modeling tools for materials and processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a publication record.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Based in or willing to commute regularly to **Polokwane**, South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and retirement benefits. This role provides unique opportunities for professional development through research collaborations, conference attendance, and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The position is based in **Polokwane**, offering a stimulating research environment. Potential for hybrid work arrangements exists, balancing remote research tasks with on‑site laboratory work. This is an excellent career opportunity within a leading research institution in South Africa .