Research Chemist - Materials Science

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

State-of-the-art laboratory in Centur

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Research Chemist role at a leading research and development firm in Centurion. The position focuses on synthesizing, characterizing, and testing novel materials with properties suitable for energy, electronics, and manufacturing applications.

You will work with a team of experts to advance material technologies from concept to reality, documenting procedures and findings to support the company’s competitive edge.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field is required.
• Proven experience in synthetic chemistry and materials characterization.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, NMR, and FTIR.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, or solid-state chemistry.
• Excellent record-keeping and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and modify organic and inorganic materials using advanced chemical techniques.
• Characterize material properties using spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Develop and execute testing protocols for material performance under various conditions.
• Collaborate with engineers and product developers to translate material discoveries into practical applications.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions thoroughly in research reports.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Materials characterization

Record-keeping

Communication of findings

Polymer chemistry/nanomaterials/solid‑

Education

PhD or Master’s in Chemistry or Materials Science

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

NMR

FTIR

Job description

About the Role

A leading research and development firm in Centurion is seeking a talented Research Chemist to drive innovation in materials science. This role involves synthesizing, characterizing, and testing novel materials with unique properties. You will be a key contributor to projects focused on developing advanced materials for applications in energy, electronics, and manufacturing. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a cutting-edge laboratory, collaborate with a team of experts, and play a significant role in bringing new material technologies from concept to reality, contributing directly to the company's competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and modify organic and inorganic materials using advanced chemical techniques.
• Characterize material properties using techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Develop and execute protocols for testing material performance under various conditions.
• Collaborate with engineers and product developers to translate material discoveries into practical applications.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions thoroughly in research reports.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in synthetic chemistry and materials characterization.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques relevant to materials science, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, NMR, and FTIR.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, or solid-state chemistry.
• Excellent record-keeping and reporting skills, with the ability to present findings clearly.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and potential for stock options.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory equipment and facilities in Centurion.
• Support for continuing education and professional development.
• A dynamic and forward‑thinking work environment focused on scientific advancement.