Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Polymers

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Generous time off

Retirement savings plan with company 3

Professional development opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art lab

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D in advanced polymers, driving synthesis, characterization and application from concept to commercialization.

You will mentor scientists, contribute to patents, and publish research in leading journals while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a state-of-the-art lab.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field with a strong polymer focus.
• At least 6 years of polymer science R&D experience.
• Expertise in polymerization and material modification.
• Proven record in synthesis and characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on synthesis and characterization of advanced polymers.
• Design experiments to study polymer properties and degradation.
• Utilize spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis and microscopy for Material characterization.
• Develop polymerization processes and formulations for targeted properties.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate innovations to applications.
• Publish research findings and contribute to patents.

Skills

6+ years experience in polymer science

Leadership and collaboration

Experimental design

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

NMR

FTIR

UV-Vis

GPC

HPLC

DSC

TGA

SEM

TEM

AFM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering materials technology company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Materials Scientist to lead innovative research and development efforts in advanced polymers. Based in the industrial heartland of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , this role is critical for the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymeric materials. You will be instrumental in driving projects from conceptualization through to commercialization, working with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, material characterization techniques, and a proven track record of innovation in materials science. You will have the opportunity to influence product development, contribute to patents, and publish research in leading scientific journals. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing field, contributing to advancements that can revolutionize various industries. The position offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for a dedicated and passionate materials scientist committed to pushing the boundaries of polymer science in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel advanced polymers.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate polymer properties, performance, and degradation mechanisms.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques for material characterization, including spectroscopy (NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis), chromatography (GPC, HPLC), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM), and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes and formulations to achieve desired material properties.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate material innovations into practical applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in polymer science, materials engineering, and related fields.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research publications, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and laboratory best practices.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively to meet research objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the materials research group.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in polymer science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated expertise in various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation) and polymer modification.
• Proficiency with a wide range of material characterization tools and techniques relevant to polymers.
• Experience in developing materials for specific applications (e.g., coatings, adhesives, composites, biomedical devices).
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymers.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to lead research projects and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Opportunity to work on innovative projects with significant industry impact.
• Collaborative and supportive research culture.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing company.
• Contribution to cutting-edge materials technology development.