Senior Polymer R&D Scientist – Sustainable Materials Leader

Elchemie; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Elchemie in Durban seeks an experienced R&D leader to drive polymer chemistry and resin technology innovations. You will design, synthesize and evaluate new systems aligned with business goals, delivering scalable manufacturing processes and strong IP value.

With 7–10 years of industrial polymer R&D, you will mentor teams, guide sustainability initiatives, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners to advance next‑generation materials and commercial solutions.

Qualifications

• MSc (or internationally recognised equivalent) in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry or closely related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years' industrial R&D experience in polymer science, resin technology or related chemical industries.
• Proven experience developing new polymer chemistries and formulations from concept to commercialisation.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, experimental design, statistical analysis, scale‑up and technology transfer, polymer characterisation.
• Track record of delivering innovative technologies with measurable commercial value.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects from concept through laboratory development, pilot-scale trials, manufacturing implementation and commercialisation.
• Translate laboratory developments into robust manufacturing processes.
• Mentor chemists and technicians; promote innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers and technology partners.
• Support scale‑up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Formulation development

Scale-up

Statistical analysis

Sustainability focus

Collaborative mindset

Education

MSc in Polymer Science

Job description

Elchemie in Durban seeks an experienced R&D leader to drive polymer chemistry and resin technology innovations. You will design, synthesize and evaluate new systems aligned with business goals, delivering scalable manufacturing processes and strong IP value.

With 7–10 years of industrial polymer R&D, you will mentor teams, guide sustainability initiatives, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners to advance next‑generation materials and commercial solutions.