Research Scientist - Organic Synthesis & Catalysis

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work arrangement

Health, dental and vision insurance

Professional development opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art labs

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Collaborative research environment

Opportunities to present at scientific

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA is seeking a Research Scientist to advance organic synthesis and catalysis for novel materials and pharmaceuticals. The role combines hands-on laboratory work on site with remote data analysis, literature reviews, and virtual meetings.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in organic/organometallic chemistry with 3+ years of postdoctoral or industrial experience, and a passion for collaborative, impactful science.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic or Organometallic Chemistry required.
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or industrial research in organic synthesis and/or catalysis.
• Hands-on experience with modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.
• Proven expertise in designing and applying homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts.
• Proficiency with spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; publications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement novel synthetic routes for complex organic molecules.
• Develop and optimize catalytic systems for efficient and selective transformations.
• Synthesize and characterize new organic compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC and related methods.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms and kinetics to understand catalytic processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore applications of synthesized compounds.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay current with advances in organic synthesis and catalysis.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and conferences.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols at the Polokwane facility.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Catalysis

Spectroscopy

NMR

HPLC

Reaction mechanisms

Stereochemistry

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Publications

Education

PhD in Organic/Organometallic Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is looking for a talented and experienced Research Scientist to join our dynamic organic chemistry team in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This role is focused on pushing the boundaries of organic synthesis and catalysis for novel material and pharmaceutical applications. You will be responsible for designing and executing complex synthetic strategies, developing new catalytic methodologies, and characterizing novel compounds. This hybrid position requires significant on-site laboratory work at our Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA facility, with flexibility for remote work for data analysis, literature reviews, and virtual meetings. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in organic chemistry, expertise in modern synthetic techniques and catalysis, and a passion for creative problem-solving. We are seeking an individual who thrives in a collaborative research environment and is eager to contribute to impactful scientific advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement novel synthetic routes for complex organic molecules.
• Develop and optimize catalytic systems for efficient and selective chemical transformations.
• Synthesize and characterize new organic compounds using a range of analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc.).
• Investigate reaction mechanisms and kinetics to gain a deeper understanding of catalytic processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore applications of synthesized compounds and catalytic systems.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews to stay abreast of the latest developments in organic synthesis and catalysis.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and potentially at scientific conferences.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety protocols within the Polokwane facility.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral or industrial research experience in organic synthesis and/or catalysis.
• Extensive hands-on experience with modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.
• Proven expertise in designing and applying homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods for compound characterization.
• Strong theoretical understanding of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• A strong publication record in reputable journals is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending conferences, and specialized training.
• Access to state-of-the-art synthetic and analytical laboratories.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking chemical research.
• Supportive team focused on innovation and scientific discovery.