Senior Chemical Engineer - Catalysis Research

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Research funding

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a world-renowned research institution in Nelspruit to recruit a Senior Chemical Engineer focused on catalytic processes. This on-site role leads projects from concept to pilot-scale demonstrations, mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with chemists, material scientists, and engineers.

You will advance heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, oversee reactor design, and contribute to IP through high-impact publications and international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with a strong emphasis on catalysis.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in catalysis or related fields.
• Proven expertise in catalyst development, characterization techniques (BET, XRD, TEM), and reactor engineering.
• Strong publication record and presentations at international forums.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis.
• Design and execute catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Develop and optimize chemical processes involving catalytic reactions for efficiency and selectivity.
• Oversee the design and operation of laboratory-scale and pilot-scale reactors.
• Analyze complex experimental data including kinetic and thermodynamic studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate lab findings to industrial applications.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers in the catalysis group.
• Publish high-impact papers and present findings at international conferences.
• Manage research project timelines, budgets, and resources.

Skills

Leadership

Research leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry (catalysis)

Tools

BET

XRD

TEM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned research institution and innovator in catalysis and chemical synthesis, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to lead critical research initiatives at their facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This senior role will focus on the development, characterization, and application of advanced catalytic processes for a range of industrial applications. You will be expected to drive research projects from conceptualization through to pilot-scale demonstration, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of chemists, material scientists, and engineers. This position is based on-site at our state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot plants in Nelspruit. We are looking for a thought leader with a deep understanding of catalysis, reaction engineering, and process scale-up, who can mentor junior researchers and contribute significantly to our intellectual property. Your expertise in catalysis will be pivotal in developing next-generation chemical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cutting-edge research in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis.
• Design and execute experiments for catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Develop and optimize chemical processes involving catalytic reactions, focusing on efficiency and selectivity.
• Oversee the design and operation of laboratory-scale and pilot-scale reactors.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, including kinetic and thermodynamic studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate laboratory findings into potential industrial applications.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers in the catalysis group.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Manage research project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with a strong emphasis on catalysis.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in catalysis or related fields.
• Proven expertise in catalyst development, characterization techniques (e.g., BET, XRD, TEM), and reactor engineering.
• Demonstrated success in leading research projects and managing research teams.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international forums.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with process simulation and modeling of catalytic reactors is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and lead collaborative research efforts.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research grants.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and life insurance.
• Generous research funding and access to advanced laboratory equipment.
• Opportunities for international travel for conferences and collaborations.
• Support for professional development and career advancement in catalysis research.
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.
• Stimulating and innovative research environment in a beautiful setting.