Senior Materials Scientist (Advanced Polymers)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Advanced Polymers to join a global materials innovation team in Klerksdorp. You will design, synthesize, and characterize high-performance polymers and lead projects from concept to commercialization.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 6+ years in polymer synthesis and characterization, and expertise in GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR, and rheology. You’ll mentor researchers and collaborate across disciplines in a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience with polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of polymer characterization techniques.
• Deep understanding of structure–property relationships and polymer physics.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced polymeric materials.
• Design and execute experiments to develop polymers with tailored thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties.
• Utilize analytical techniques (GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR, rheology) for material characterization.
• Investigate polymer processing techniques and their impact on performance.
• Collaborate with product development to ensure material suitability for target applications.
• Analyze data, generate reports, and present findings to technical and management stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in experimental design and data interpretation.
• Stay current with literature and industry trends in polymer science and engineering.
• Contribute to IP through patent applications and disclosures.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

GPC

DSC

TGA

NMR

FTIR

Rheology

Project leadership

Publications & presentations

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science

Tools

Computational modeling of polymers

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in material innovation, is seeking a distinguished Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Advanced Polymers to join their cutting-edge research and development team in Klerksdorp . This role is integral to designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel polymeric materials with superior properties for diverse applications, including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical devices. You will lead research projects, leverage advanced analytical techniques, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to bring innovative material solutions from concept to commercialization. This is a hybrid role, offering a blend of collaborative in-office work and flexible remote days, allowing for a dynamic work-life balance. We are looking for a forward-thinking scientist eager to make a significant impact in the field of polymer science and engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development efforts in the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced polymeric materials.
• Design and execute experiments to develop novel polymers with tailored thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques, including GPC, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR, and rheology, for material characterization.
• Investigate polymer processing techniques and their impact on material performance.
• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure material suitability for target applications.
• Analyze experimental data, generate comprehensive reports, and present findings to technical and management audiences.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing guidance on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and industry trends in polymer science and engineering.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent applications and disclosures.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience, with a strong focus on polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of polymer characterization techniques.
• Deep understanding of polymer physics, chemistry, and structure-property relationships.
• Experience in developing high-performance polymers for demanding applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and manage timelines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publications and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and collaborative team settings.
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by an annual performance bonus. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous 401(k) plan with company match, and ample paid time off. We support continuous professional growth through training programs, workshops, and opportunities to attend leading scientific conferences. Employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and analytical instrumentation at our Klerksdorp site. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work. Join a dynamic and innovative environment where your contributions directly impact the development of next-generation materials.