Senior Materials Scientist - Polymer Engineering

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art facilities

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Polymer Engineering to lead polymer design, synthesis, and characterization. You will drive projects from concept to prototype, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to translate research into scalable applications.

The role requires a PhD with 6+ years of post‑doc/industrial polymer experience, strong publication credentials, and hands‑on expertise in polymer synthesis,

Qualifications

• PhD and at least 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial polymer research.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing.
• Strong publication record and ability to guide junior researchers.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and modify novel polymer systems with specific performance characteristics.
• Characterize polymer materials using techniques such as GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, SEM/TEM.
• Investigate polymer processing methods like extrusion, injection molding, and 3D printing.
• Evaluate material performance through mechanical testing and thermal analysis.
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design and optimization.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate innovations into applications.
• Prepare technical reports and scientific publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; maintain a safe lab environment.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Materials science

Characterization techniques

Structure-property relationships

Mentoring/leadership

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Polymer Science / Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in advanced materials research, is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Polymer Engineering to join their innovative team in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is crucial for developing novel polymeric materials with enhanced properties for various industrial applications. You will be responsible for the entire materials development lifecycle, from conception and synthesis to characterization and performance testing. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to significant technological advancements. We foster a stimulating research environment where scientific curiosity and innovation are highly valued. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, processing, and structure-property relationships. This role is key to driving our client's leadership in material science innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and modify novel polymer systems with specific performance characteristics.
• Characterize polymer materials using a range of analytical techniques, including GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, NMR, and microscopy (SEM/TEM).
• Conduct research into polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, and 3D printing.
• Evaluate material performance through mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and environmental exposure studies.
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design and optimization.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate material innovations into commercial applications.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and scientific publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment in accordance with **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** safety standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in polymer science and engineering.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing.
• Hands-on experience with various analytical and mechanical testing equipment for polymers.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics, rheology, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex research projects independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Experience in guiding junior researchers or technical staff.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, commuting to our **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** facility as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits plan.
• This includes excellent health insurance coverage, a generous retirement savings scheme, and ample paid time off.
• We support continuous professional growth through funding for conferences, training programs, and further education.
• The company fosters an innovative and collaborative work culture, providing access to state-of-the‑art research facilities.
• Join a forward‑thinking organization where your contributions to materials science will have a significant impact.