Research Chemist - Materials Science

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Conference attendance

Access to advanced instrumentation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Chemist specializing in Materials Science for its Richards Bay R&D facility. You will design, synthesize, and characterize novel materials for industrial applications, contributing to next-generation products.

The role emphasizes advanced analytical techniques (NMR, FTIR, XRD, SEM), collaboration with engineers, and a strong emphasis on scalable synthesis and rigorous documentation of results.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of post-graduate research in materials chemistry or synthesis.
• Strong practical skills in organic/inorganic synthesis, polymer chemistry, or inorganic materials preparation.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new chemical compounds and advanced materials.
• Analyze material properties (thermal, mechanical, electrical).
• Develop scalable synthesis routes for lab settings.
• Review literature to identify new research avenues and applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to integrate materials into prototypes.

Skills

Synthesis chemistry

Material analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemistry/Materials Science

Tools

NMR

FTIR

XRD

SEM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Research Chemist with a specialization in Materials Science to join their innovative R&D facility in Richards Bay . This role focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel materials for industrial applications. You will be part of a team dedicated to exploring new frontiers in material innovation, contributing to the development of next-generation products. This position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct impactful research, utilize advanced analytical techniques, and collaborate with experts across various scientific disciplines. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry and a passion for developing advanced materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new chemical compounds and advanced materials using established and novel techniques.
• Perform comprehensive analysis of material properties, including thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics.
• Develop and optimize synthesis routes for scalability and efficiency in a laboratory setting.
• Conduct literature reviews to identify new research avenues and potential applications for developed materials.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to integrate new materials into prototypes and products.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports on research findings in Richards Bay .

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-graduate research experience in materials chemistry or synthesis.
• Strong practical skills in organic and inorganic synthesis, polymer chemistry, or inorganic materials preparation.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation such as NMR, FTIR, XRD, and SEM.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Effective communication skills for technical discussions and report writing.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
• Access to well-equipped laboratories and advanced instrumentation in Richards Bay .
• A supportive and forward-thinking research environment.