Senior Polymer Scientist

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous vacation time and paid public

Professional development opportunities

Access to advanced polymer facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Polymer Scientist to lead R&D in advanced materials, based in Rustenburg, North West. You will guide design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymers, mentoring junior scientists and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to move technologies toward commercialization.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in polymer science or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, and a strong track record in polymer synthesis, processing, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience in polymer science.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and structure–property relationships.
• Hands-on experience with polymerization techniques and polymer characterization methods.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and rheology.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and lead investigations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D of new polymer materials with advanced properties and functionalities.
• Design and optimize polymerization reactions and processing conditions.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical testing.
• Explore structure‑property relationships to guide material design.
• Develop polymer processing methods (extrusion, injection molding, film casting).
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate materials into products.
• Troubleshoot synthesis, characterization, and processing challenges.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and researchers.
• Stay current with polymer science literature and industry trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Polymer Scientist to lead innovative research and development efforts within their advanced materials division, located in Rustenburg, North West, ZA . This key role involves spearheading the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymeric materials. You will be responsible for managing research projects, mentoring junior scientists, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring new polymer technologies from the laboratory to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of polymer chemistry, physics, and engineering, coupled with extensive hands‑on experience in polymer synthesis, processing, and characterization. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies and contribute significantly to advancements in polymer science. We are looking for a scientifically driven individual with a passion for innovation, a strong problem‑solving aptitude, and a commitment to excellence in a demanding R&D setting. Your expertise will be critical in developing next‑generation materials for diverse industrial applications. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment in Rustenburg, North West, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new polymer materials, focusing on advanced properties and functionalities.
• Design and execute polymerization reactions (e.g., free radical, condensation, anionic) and optimize reaction conditions.
• Characterize synthesized polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical testing.
• Investigate structure‑property relationships to guide material design and optimization.
• Develop and implement polymer processing techniques (e.g., extrusion, injection molding, film casting).
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to integrate new materials into final products.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and research associates.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and industry trends in polymer science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience in polymer science.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and structure‑property relationships.
• Hands‑on experience with a variety of polymerization techniques and polymer characterization methods.
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and rheology.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and lead scientific investigations.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Experience with polymer processing equipment is highly desirable.
• A track record of publications and/or patents in the field of polymer science.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous vacation time and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and conference attendance.
• Access to advanced polymer synthesis and characterization facilities.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment in Rustenburg, North West, ZA .
• Potential for career advancement within a leading materials science company.