Research Chemist - Materials Science

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Professional development

Advanced lab facilities

Generous PTO

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay seeks a Research Chemist with a Materials Science focus to lead material innovation from concept to testing. You will work across synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation in a well‑equipped R&D environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with product teams and engineers, with opportunities for professional development and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science or related field.
• Minimum 3 years hands‑on experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Strong understanding of chemical principles governing material behavior.
• Proficiency with common analytical instruments and techniques.
• Experience with computational modeling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel materials, including polymers, composites, and nanomaterials.
• Analyze material properties using spectroscopy, chromatography, and thermal analysis.
• Develop synthesis routes and processing methods for new materials.
• Evaluate material performance via mechanical and electrical testing.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate research into product applications.
• Maintain lab notebooks and prepare research reports and presentations.

Skills

Materials synthesis

Material characterization

Spectroscopy

DSC/TGA

Collaborative work

Independent work

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Materials Science/Polymer Science

Tools

NMR

IR

UV-Vis

Chromatography

DSC

TGA

Computational modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Research Chemist with a specialization in Materials Science to join their innovative research and development team in Richards Bay. This role is central to exploring and developing novel materials with advanced properties for a variety of industrial applications. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of material innovation, from conceptualization and synthesis to characterization and performance testing. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge materials research and development within a supportive and resource-rich environment, fostering scientific curiosity and practical application.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel materials, including polymers, composites, and nanomaterials.
• Conduct detailed analysis of material properties using techniques such as spectroscopy (NMR, IR, UV-Vis), chromatography, and thermal analysis (DSC, TGA).
• Develop and optimize synthesis routes and processing methods for new materials.
• Evaluate material performance through mechanical testing, electrical conductivity measurements, and other relevant characterization techniques.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into viable product applications.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and prepare comprehensive research reports and presentations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Strong understanding of chemical principles underlying material behavior and performance.
• Proficiency with common analytical instruments and techniques for material characterization.
• Experience with computational modeling or simulation of materials is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and training.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and research facilities.
• Generous paid time off and a positive work environment.