Senior Materials Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry for a remote role based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The position leads design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymeric materials within a global research team.

The candidate will mentor junior scientists, author reports and papers, and drive projects from concept to potential commercialization while collaborating across disciplines in a flexible, remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-PhD research in polymer science.
• Proven polymer synthesis expertise and polymer characterization proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties for specific applications.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and microscopy.
• Investigate structure–property relationships to optimize material performance.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for material formulation, processing, and testing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into product development cycles.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Project management

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Polymer Chemistry/Organic Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Microscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned entity in the Scientific Research & Development landscape, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Materials Scientist with expertise in Polymer Chemistry. This crucial role will be based in our advanced research facilities located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, though the role itself is fully remote. You will lead innovative projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymeric materials. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about exploring the frontiers of materials science, contributing to the development of next-generation products and technologies. You will collaborate with a global team of scientists and engineers, driving research initiatives from concept to potential commercialization. The remote-first nature of this role allows for exceptional flexibility while maintaining high levels of collaboration and productivity. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor, providing the resources and support necessary for groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties for specific applications.
• Characterize polymers using a range of analytical techniques including GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and microscopy.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize material performance.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for material formulation, processing, and testing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into product development cycles.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in polymer science and related fields.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in polymer science.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis techniques (e.g., free radical, controlled/living polymerization, condensation polymerization).
• Proficiency in polymer characterization methods (spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing).
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and material processing.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage research projects independently and effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex scientific information.
• Ability to thrive in a remote work environment, maintaining strong collaboration and productivity.

Benefits

• As a fully remote position, our client offers unparalleled flexibility combined with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Employees have access to advanced simulation tools and can participate in virtual collaborative platforms.
• Our client is dedicated to supporting professional development through online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences.

Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, scientific curiosity, and employee well-being.