Research Scientist - Chemical Engineering

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg seeks a Research Scientist (Chemical Engineering) for a hybrid role combining hands-on lab and pilot plant work with remote data analysis. You will help develop and scale up chemical processes, optimize efficiency and sustainability, and contribute to reactor and separation system design.

You will apply thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics to solve industrial challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and report findings to management and project teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum 4 years’ Industrial R&D experience in process development or scale-up.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new products and improvements.
• Conduct pilot-scale experiments and collect data for scale-up analysis.
• Use Aspen Plus to model processes and analyze results.
• Improve process safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
• Collaborate with engineers, chemists, and researchers to integrate designs into manufacturing.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to management.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Data analysis

Thermodynamics

Mass transfer

Reaction kinetics

Hybrid teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Process simulation tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Research Scientist specializing in Chemical Engineering to join their innovative R&D team in Randburg . This hybrid role offers a compelling mix of hands-on laboratory and pilot plant work, combined with remote data analysis and reporting. You will be instrumental in developing and scaling up new chemical processes, optimizing existing ones for efficiency and sustainability, and contributing to the design of novel chemical reactors and separation systems. The successful candidate will leverage a strong theoretical background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics, applying them to solve complex industrial challenges within a collaborative and progressive research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new product introductions and existing product improvements.
• Conduct pilot-scale experiments, troubleshoot process issues, and gather data for scale-up analysis.
• Utilize process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) to model and analyze chemical processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving process safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
• Collaborate with engineers, chemists, and other researchers to integrate process designs into manufacturing operations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and present findings to management and project teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or optimization in an industrial R&D environment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and mass transfer principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a hybrid team structure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical, disability, and life insurance.
• Support for continuous learning through professional development programs.
• Access to advanced pilot plant facilities and research infrastructure in Randburg .