Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Polymers

Placements24; Rustenburg; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Access to state-of-the-art laboratory

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, ZA, is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D on advanced polymer materials, with emphasis on synthesis, processing, and characterization for high-performance applications. The role combines laboratory work with collaborations across engineering and product teams in a hybrid setup.

You will drive structure-property studies, deploy analytical techniques, mentor junior staff, manage projects and contribute to IP through publications and patents.

Formación

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in materials science R&D with a polymer focus.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization techniques (GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR) and mechanical testing.
• Experience with polymer processing methods such as extrusion, injection molding, or additive manufacturing.
• Ability to manage complex research projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymeric materials.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Hybrid work environment balancing remote tasks with on-site laboratory work.
• Experience with computational modeling of materials is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Lead R&D projects focused on synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced polymer systems.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize material performance for specific applications.
• Design and execute experiments using spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate findings into scalable processes.
• Develop intellectual property through patent filings and technical publications.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues in manufacturing and product performance.
• Stay abreast of trends in polymer science and materials engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research proposals.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the R&D team.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.

Conocimientos

Polymer synthesis

Materials characterization

Structure-property relationships

Mechanical testing

Polymer processing

Data interpretation

Analytical problem solving

Technical communication

Educación

Ph.D. in Materials Science/ Polymer Science/ Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in material science and specialty chemicals, is seeking an accomplished Senior Materials Scientist to join their dynamic R&D division. This role, based in Rustenburg, North West, ZA , will focus on the development and characterization of novel advanced polymer materials for high-performance applications. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research, working in a hybrid model that balances focused remote work with essential in-person collaboration and laboratory access. You will be at the forefront of innovation, driving material solutions that meet the demanding requirements of industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. This is a critical role for an experienced scientist eager to make a tangible impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced polymer systems.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize material performance for specific applications.
• Design and execute experiments using a range of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and product development teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Develop intellectual property through patent filings and technical publications.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues in manufacturing and product performance.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science and materials engineering.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and research proposals.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the R&D team.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in materials science research and development, with a strong focus on polymers.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization techniques (e.g., GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR), and mechanical testing.
• Experience with polymer processing methods such as extrusion, injection molding, or additive manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymeric materials.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, suitable for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote tasks with on-site laboratory work.
• Experience with computational modeling of materials is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan with company matching, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and workshops, are provided. Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced instrumentation is guaranteed. Employees also benefit from a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and cross-functional collaboration. Performance-based bonuses and potential for career advancement within a leading global organization are also key components of this role. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.