Senior Polymer Chemist

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Laboratory access

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Polymer Chemist to lead R&D in the design, synthesis and characterization of novel polymers for diverse industrial applications.

You will supervise projects, mentor junior chemists, and work with cross-functional teams to take materials from concept to market in a state-of-the-art facility. The role emphasizes collaboration, safety, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial polymer synthesis/characterization experience.
• Expertise in polymerization methods and structure-property analysis.
• Proficiency with polymer characterization techniques and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers via multiple polymerization techniques.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and microscopy.
• Explore structure-property relationships to guide design and performance.
• Develop and improve polymer formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate research into applications.
• Conduct literature reviews on polymer chemistry and related fields.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and patent disclosures.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians; ensure safety practices.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Microscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Polymer Chemist to join their dynamic research and development team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is central to the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel polymers with tailored properties for diverse industrial applications. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in polymer chemistry, synthesis techniques, and advanced characterization methods. You will lead research projects, contribute to product development, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new materials from concept to market. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility, contribute to cutting-edge innovation, and advance your career within a globally recognized company. We foster a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration, making Soweto a rewarding location for talented chemists. Join us and play a pivotal role in developing next-generation polymer solutions. Your expertise will be crucial in creating materials that meet demanding performance requirements, driving innovation across various sectors. We are looking for a self-motivated individual with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for polymer science. The laboratories in Soweto are well-equipped with synthesis and characterization instrumentation necessary for advanced polymer research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers using various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, controlled/living polymerization).
• Characterize synthesized polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and microscopy.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide polymer design and optimize performance for specific applications.
• Develop and improve existing polymer formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Conduct literature searches and stay current with the latest advancements in polymer chemistry and related fields.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research summaries, and patent disclosures.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior chemists and technicians.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated expertise in various polymerization methods and polymer structure-property analysis.
• Proficiency with common polymer characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and engineering principles.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and lead project initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and present research findings effectively.
• Experience working in a team-oriented research environment.
• Willingness to work full-time at our Soweto facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to modern polymer synthesis and characterization laboratories.
• A collaborative and innovation-focused work environment.
• Retirement fund and other benefits.