Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Professional Development

Generous PTO

Advanced Instrumentation

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington is seeking an innovative Research Scientist to join their Polymer Chemistry division. The role focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials for diverse applications in a dedicated laboratory setting.

You will develop new polymer architectures, optimize polymerization processes, and evaluate material properties, collaborating with product development teams to translate research into practical solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proficiency with various polymerization methods and understanding of polymer physics.
• Experience with polymer characterization techniques (GPC, NMR, DSC, etc.).
• Experience formulating and processing polymers into usable forms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties using diverse polymerization techniques.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and rheology.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide material development.
• Optimize polymerization conditions to control molecular weight and architecture.
• Collaborate with product development teams to evaluate and implement new polymers.
• Maintain detailed lab records and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Polymerization methods

Structure-property relationships

Communication

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative Research Scientist to join their advanced Polymer Chemistry division in Upington . This role is vital for the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymeric materials for a wide range of applications. You will be responsible for developing new polymer architectures, optimizing polymerization processes, and evaluating material properties. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in polymer synthesis, characterization techniques, and a passion for materials innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in a dedicated laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties using various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, controlled polymerization).
• Characterize synthesized polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and rheology.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide the development of new materials.
• Optimize polymerization conditions to control molecular weight, polydispersity, and polymer architecture.
• Collaborate with product development teams to evaluate and implement new polymers in specific applications.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven expertise in various polymerization methods and a strong understanding of polymer physics.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques for polymer characterization (GPC, NMR, DSC, etc.).
• Experience in formulating and processing polymers into useful forms is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and strong communication abilities for effective collaboration in Upington .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
• Generous paid time off.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and advanced instrumentation.