Research Chemist - Materials Science

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24’s client in the Materials Science division in Tembisa seeks an innovative Research Chemist. The role combines in-lab experimentation with remote analysis and reporting to develop novel materials for industrial applications.

The position requires a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry, meticulous detail, and the ability to translate theory into scalable, practical solutions in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science required.
• Experience in synthetic organic or inorganic chemistry for materials development.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques and material characterization.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new chemical compounds and materials.
• Test and analyze material properties like strength, conductivity, and thermal stability.
• Develop scalable synthesis protocols for new materials.
• Analyze data using analytical instrumentation and statistics.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate materials into product development.
• Maintain lab notebooks and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Collaborative work

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry/Materials Science

Tools

NMR

IR spectroscopy

UV-Vis

GC

HPLC

SEM

TEM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative Research Chemist to join their dynamic Materials Science division in Tembisa. This role offers a hybrid work model, blending valuable in-lab experimentation with the flexibility of remote analysis and reporting. You will play a crucial part in developing novel materials with enhanced properties for a variety of industrial applications. This position requires a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical, scalable solutions. You will be working within a collaborative team environment, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of material performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new chemical compounds and materials using various laboratory techniques.
• Conduct rigorous testing and analysis to evaluate material properties such as strength, conductivity, and thermal stability.
• Develop and optimize synthesis protocols for new materials, ensuring reproducibility and scalability.
• Analyze experimental data using advanced analytical instrumentation and statistical methods.
• Collaborate with engineers and other scientists to integrate new materials into product development pipelines.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports and presentations on research findings.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in synthetic organic or inorganic chemistry, with a focus on materials development.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques such as spectroscopy (NMR, IR, UV-Vis), chromatography (GC, HPLC), and microscopy (SEM, TEM).
• Experience with material characterization techniques is essential.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work setup.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to safety in the laboratory environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between on‑site collaboration and remote flexibility.
• A supportive and innovative research environment.