Senior Polymer Scientist - Materials Innovation Lead

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Performance-based bonus structure

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to drive R&D of advanced polymeric materials from concept to commercialization.

The role requires a Ph.D. in polymer science or related field with 5+ years of industrial experience and strong skills in synthesis, characterization, and processing. Collaborative leadership and innovation are essential in this science-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related discipline with industrial R&D experience.
• ,1 5 years minimum in polymer science R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis and controlled polymerization.
• Strong knowledge of polymer characterization methods and data interpretation.
• Experience with polymer processing (extrusion, injection molding) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel polymeric materials from concept to final product.
• Design and execute synthesis protocols for advanced polymers.
• Characterize polymers using methods such as GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR and NMR.
• Collaborate with engineers and customers to meet material requirements.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the laboratory.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Stay current with advancements in polymer science and technology.
• Ensure laboratory safety and quality standards.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Polymer processing

Project leadership

Technical report writing

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Polymer Science/Materials Science/Chemistry

Tools

GPC/DSC/TGA/FTIR/NMR

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to drive R&D of advanced polymeric materials from concept to commercialization.

The role requires a Ph.D. in polymer science or related field with 5+ years of industrial experience and strong skills in synthesis, characterization, and processing. Collaborative leadership and innovation are essential in this science-driven environment.