Senior Polymer Scientist — Lead Innovative Materials

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Retirement plans

Training & conferences

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist in Centurion to lead pioneering projects in polymer chemistry. You will steer synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymers, advancing materials for diverse industries.

A PhD with 8+ years of polymer experience is required, along with strong leadership and IP development experience. You will guide a team of scientists, coordinate with business teams, publish findings, and protect IP while ensuring safety and compliance in a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive research experience in polymer science, with a strong emphasis on polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated expertise in various polymerization methods (e.g., free radical, anionic, cationic, condensation).
• Extensive experience with polymer characterization techniques (GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, spectroscopy, microscopy).
• Proven track record of successfully bringing new materials from research to development.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in polymers.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively.
• Experience in intellectual property management and patent writing is highly desirable.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of research programs focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymers.
• Develop and optimize polymerization techniques and process conditions to achieve desired polymer architectures and properties.
• Conduct in-depth characterization of polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and rheology.
• Identify and explore new application areas for developed polymer materials, collaborating with business development and marketing teams.
• Manage research projects from conception to completion, including resource allocation, timeline management, and budget oversight.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.
• Protect intellectual property through patent filings and internal documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and laboratory best practices.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Leadership

Project management

Academic publication

Intellectual property

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry or related field

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Microscopy

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist in Centurion to lead pioneering projects in polymer chemistry. You will steer synthesis, characterization, and application of novel polymers, advancing materials for diverse industries.

A PhD with 8+ years of polymer experience is required, along with strong leadership and IP development experience. You will guide a team of scientists, coordinate with business teams, publish findings, and protect IP while ensuring safety and compliance in a