Senior Polymer Scientist - Hybrid R&D Leader

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in polymer research in Bloemfontein, Free State. This hybrid role focuses on designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating advanced polymers for packaging, composites and biomedical devices.

The candidate will lead experiments, collaborate with colleagues, and mentor junior scientists while contributing to strategic planning and publication activity. PhD required with extensive polymer expertise.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a polymer-related field.
• >5 years post-PhD or industry experience in polymer science/engineering.
• Proven expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D on synthesis and modification of novel polymers.
• Characterize polymer structure, properties, and performance using advanced analytical techniques.
• Design experiments to optimize formulations and processing conditions.
• Evaluate polymer performance in target applications and troubleshoot challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers and product developers.
• Stay updated on advancements in polymer science and market trends.
• Author research papers, patents and technical reports.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to project planning.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Polymer processing

Structure-property relationships

Analytical thinking

Scientific report writing

Presentation skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Polymer Science/Materials Science/Polymer Chemistry

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

NMR

FTIR

Rheology

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in polymer research in Bloemfontein, Free State. This hybrid role focuses on designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating advanced polymers for packaging, composites and biomedical devices.

The candidate will lead experiments, collaborate with colleagues, and mentor junior scientists while contributing to strategic planning and publication activity. PhD required with extensive polymer expertise.