Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional growth

Advanced labs

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, seeks a senior Research Scientist in Polymer Chemistry to develop novel materials for packaging, coatings, and composites. You will design syntheses, study structure–property relationships, and optimize polymerization processes.

Strong expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization is required, with collaboration across teams in a dynamic R&D environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of polymer synthesis/characterization research.
• Experience with free radical, condensation, and controlled/living polymerizations.
• Proficiency in polymer characterization methods.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymerization reactions to synthesize novel polymers.
• Characterize polymers using GPC/SEC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical tests.
• Optimize polymerization processes to achieve target properties and yields.
• Collaborate with application teams to tailor properties for end-use.
• Maintain records and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Structure-property relationships

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC/SEC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and experienced Research Scientist specializing in Polymer Chemistry to join their innovative R&D department in Nelspruit . This role is central to developing novel polymer materials with enhanced properties for applications in various industries, including packaging, coatings, and advanced composites. You will be responsible for synthesizing new polymers, characterizing their structure-property relationships, and optimizing polymerization processes. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical background in polymer science, excellent practical skills in polymer synthesis and characterization, and a passion for innovation and problem-solving within a dynamic research environment, collaborating with a dedicated team of scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute polymerization reactions to synthesize novel polymers with specific molecular weights, architectures, and functionalities.
• Characterize synthesized polymers using techniques such as GPC/SEC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical testing.
• Investigate and optimize polymerization processes to achieve desired polymer properties and yields.
• Collaborate with application development teams to tailor polymer properties for specific end-use requirements.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and prepare technical reports, presentations, and potentially patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and responsible chemical handling practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization, ideally in an industrial R&D setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, controlled/living polymerizations).
• Proficiency with polymer characterization methods is essential.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymers.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication skills for collaboration in Nelspruit .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund options.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and attendance at relevant scientific conferences.
• Access to well-equipped polymer research laboratories and advanced analytical instruments.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment focused on cutting-edge polymer science.