Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Modern lab equipment

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Research Scientist specializing in Polymer Chemistry to join our R&D team. The role focuses on design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers for advanced materials, coatings, and adhesives.

You will work with a team of scientists to translate research into practical solutions, requiring a PhD and hands-on experience with analytical techniques. The position offers a stimulating environment in a well-equipped lab with opportunities for

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field.
• 3+ years post‑doc or industry experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Strong theoretical and practical polymer science background.
• Experience with modern analytical techniques and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymers for applications.
• Perform polymerization using multiple techniques and optimize procedures.
• Characterize polymers with GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Collaborate with team to translate research into products.
• Document procedures and results in lab notebooks and reports.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

GPC

NMR

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and innovative Research Scientist specializing in Polymer Chemistry to join their R&D department in Bloemfontein . This role involves the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers for various applications, including advanced materials, coatings, and adhesives. You will work collaboratively within a team of scientists and engineers to translate fundamental research into tangible products and solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge material science research in a well‑equipped laboratory setting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background in polymer science coupled with practical laboratory experience and a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize new polymers using various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, living polymerization).
• Characterize synthesized polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to tailor polymer performance for specific applications.
• Develop and optimize synthetic procedures and formulation processes.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay informed about the latest advancements in polymer science and technology.
• Document experimental procedures and results thoroughly in laboratory notebooks and technical reports.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• 3+ years of post-doctoral or industry experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry and understanding of polymerization mechanisms.
• Hands‑on experience with advanced analytical techniques for polymer characterization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in Bloemfontein.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops.
• A stimulating research environment with access to modern equipment in Bloemfontein.
• Potential for bonuses based on project success and performance.