Research Scientist - Chemical Engineering

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Health & wellness benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Global collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering to join their forward-thinking R&D team in Vereeniging.

You will explore novel chemical processes, optimize technologies, and contribute to pilot plant and manufacturing design, applying strong engineering principles in a collaborative, technology-driven environment. The role emphasizes design, simulation, lab and pilot-scale experiments, process safety, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in process research, development, or optimization.
• Proficiency in Aspen Plus and data analysis tools; strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and analyze chemical processes and reaction kinetics.
• Develop and scale-up new chemical manufacturing methods and technologies.
• Conduct experimental research in the lab and on pilot-scale equipment.
• Perform process safety analyses and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams to ensure successful process implementation.

Skills

Process simulation

Data analysis

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Reaction engineering

Remote collaboration

Lab & pilot-scale experimentation

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is searching for a talented Research Scientist with a strong background in Chemical Engineering to join their forward-thinking R&D team in Vereeniging. This role involves exploring and developing novel chemical processes, optimizing existing technologies, and contributing to the design of pilot plants and manufacturing processes. You will work on challenging projects that require innovative solutions and a deep understanding of chemical principles. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist eager to apply their engineering expertise in a collaborative and technologically advanced environment within Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and analyze chemical processes and reaction kinetics.
• Develop and scale-up new chemical manufacturing methods and technologies.
• Conduct experimental research in the lab and on pilot-scale equipment.
• Perform process safety analyses and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operations teams to ensure successful process implementation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in process research, development, or optimization.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus) and data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and professional development support.
• Fully remote work arrangement enabling flexibility and global collaboration.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects shaping the future of chemical engineering.