Senior Polymer Scientist - Lead Next-Gen Materials R&D

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

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