Senior Materials Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plan with company matching

Conference funding and continuing ed

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to join a fully remote R&D team focused on advanced polymers. You will design, synthesize, and characterize novel polymer materials, guiding structure-property relationships and exploring new applications across electronics, automotive, and healthcare sectors.

The role emphasizes independent project leadership, collaboration with a global team, and ongoing innovation in polymer science, with generous benefits and remote-first flexibility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years post-doctoral or industrial polymer research experience.
• Expertise in polymer synthesis (free radical, condensation, ionic polymerization).
• Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and mechanics.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymer architectures and formulations.
• Characterize material properties using analytical techniques (GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, tensile testing).
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design.
• Investigate and optimize polymerization processes.
• Explore and develop new applications for advanced polymer materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D chemists, engineers, and product development specialists.
• Document research findings comprehensively and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in polymer science and related fields.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical expertise.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent filings.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Materials science

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Remote work

Education

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

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

SEM

Tensile testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering materials science company driving innovation in advanced polymers, is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to join their dynamic, fully remote research and development team. This role is crucial for the design, synthesis, characterization, and application development of novel polymer materials. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of polymer science, developing materials with enhanced properties for diverse industries, including electronics, automotive, and healthcare. As a key member of this remote-first organization, you will collaborate with a global team of experts, leveraging cutting-edge tools and methodologies to solve complex material challenges and drive product innovation from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymer architectures and formulations.
• Characterize material properties using a range of analytical techniques (e.g., GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, tensile testing).
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design.
• Investigate and optimize polymerization processes.
• Explore and develop new applications for advanced polymer materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D chemists, engineers, and product development specialists.
• Document research findings comprehensively and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in polymer science and related fields.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical expertise.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent filings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in polymer science.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis (e.g., free radical, condensation, ionic polymerization).
• Extensive hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and mechanics.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new materials.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• We provide a stipend for home office setup and connectivity, ensuring a productive and comfortable working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth include funding for conferences, workshops, and continuing education.
• The flexibility of this role allows for an outstanding work-life balance, enabling you to excel professionally while maintaining personal priorities.