Senior Polymer Scientist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Professional development

State-of-the-art laboratories

R&D leadership in Mahikeng

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng is seeking a Senior Polymer Scientist to lead innovative R&D in polymer chemistry, designing, synthesizing, and characterizing polymers with tailored properties for advanced applications.

You will collaborate with formulation scientists and engineers to translate findings into manufacturable products, mentor junior scientists, and drive impactful material innovations in a dedicated R&D setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Expertise in various polymerization methods and polymer analysis techniques.
• Ability to design and manage complex research projects independently.
• Strong knowledge of structure–property relationships in polymers.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers using various polymerization techniques.
• Characterize polymer structure and properties with GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and tests.
• Develop and optimize polymer formulations for specific applications.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure successful material implementation.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical solutions.
• Stay current with polymer science advances and identify new opportunities.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to R&D leadership in Mahikeng.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Research leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Polymer Scientist to lead innovative research and development in polymer chemistry at their facility in Mahikeng . This role will involve designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel polymers with tailored properties for advanced applications. You will work closely with formulation scientists and engineers to translate research findings into manufacturable products. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced polymer chemist to drive innovation, mentor junior scientists, and make a significant impact on the company's product portfolio in a dedicated R&D setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers using various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, condensation, ring-opening).
• Characterize polymer structure, properties, and performance using techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize polymer formulations for specific applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to ensure successful material implementation.
• Troubleshoot material-related issues and provide technical solutions.
• Stay current with advancements in polymer science and identify new research opportunities.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific leadership within the R&D department in Mahikeng .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated expertise in various polymerization methods and polymer analysis techniques.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex research projects independently.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymers.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and a commitment to work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the‑art polymer synthesis and characterization laboratories.
• Be a key contributor to cutting-edge material innovation in Mahikeng .