Research Scientist - Chemical Engineering (Process Development)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

On-site R&D facilities

Comprehensive health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Generous PTO

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a Research Scientist in Chemical Engineering to design, optimize, and scale up chemical processes for new product manufacturing, with hands-on lab and pilot-scale work in our on-site facilities.

You will collaborate with R&D chemists and production teams to translate laboratory findings into robust, industrial processes, ensuring safety and efficiency while pursuing process innovation in a manufacturing-focused environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of R&D experience in chemical process design/scale-up.
• Strong understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics, mass and heat transfer.
• Hands-on lab and pilot plant experience.
• Proficiency with process simulation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new product manufacturing.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant studies to validate and improve process parameters.
• Analyze process data to identify efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and yield enhancements.
• Develop and implement control strategies for chemical processes.
• Scale-up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and potentially to commercial production.
• Collaborate with chemists to transfer technology from R&D to manufacturing.
• Perform process safety assessments and implement safety measures.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and process flow diagrams.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering and process technology.

Skills

Chemical engineering knowledge

Process optimization

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is actively seeking a talented and experienced Research Scientist specializing in Chemical Engineering to join their innovative process development team in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA . This role is crucial for designing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical processes for new product manufacturing. You will conduct hands‑on laboratory and pilot‑scale work to improve reaction efficiency, yield, and product quality. Collaborating closely with R&D chemists, engineers, and production teams, you will translate laboratory discoveries into robust, industrially viable processes. This is a fully on‑site position requiring dedicated work within our advanced facilities in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA . The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in chemical engineering principles, excellent problem‑solving abilities, and a passion for process innovation and optimization in a manufacturing‑focused R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new product manufacturing.
• Conduct laboratory‑scale experiments and pilot plant studies to validate and improve process parameters.
• Analyze process data to identify areas for efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and yield enhancement.
• Develop and implement control strategies for chemical processes.
• Scale‑up processes from laboratory to pilot plant and potentially to commercial production.
• Collaborate with chemists to ensure seamless transfer of technology from R&D to manufacturing.
• Perform process safety assessments and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and process flow diagrams.
• Stay current with advancements in chemical engineering, process technology, and relevant industry trends.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of research and development experience in chemical process design, optimization, and scale‑up.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, mass transfer, and heat transfer principles.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory equipment and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is a strong asset.
• Experience with process safety analysis and risk assessment.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and team collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects concurrently.
• Commitment to working in a fully on‑site R&D environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on innovative process development projects.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuous learning.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• A collaborative and results‑oriented work environment.
• The chance to contribute to the successful manufacturing of key products.
• Dedicated on‑site R&D facilities in Bloemfontein.