Senior Polymer Scientist & R&D Leader

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Excellent compensation package

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist to lead research in advanced polymer materials at a state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng. The role requires 10+ years in polymers, PhD, and strong leadership skills to mentor a team of researchers.

The position emphasizes driving projects from concept through commercialization, collaborating across product development and manufacturing, and publishing impactful results.

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related field with 10+ years of polymer-focused research experience.
• Proven track record leading R&D projects and research teams.
• Strong publications and/or patents in polymer science or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced polymer materials for high-tech applications.
• Develop processing techniques to optimize performance and manufacturability.
• Analyze material properties using spectroscopy, microscopy, rheology, and mechanical tests.
• Guide projects from concept to commercialization, aligning with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, and external partners for tech transfer.
• Mentor scientists and engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Author reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Stay abreast of trends in polymer science and engineering.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Mechanical testing

Polymer processing

R&D project leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science / Polymer Science / Chemical Engineering

Tools

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

FTIR

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist to lead research in advanced polymer materials at a state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng. The role requires 10+ years in polymers, PhD, and strong leadership skills to mentor a team of researchers.

The position emphasizes driving projects from concept through commercialization, collaborating across product development and manufacturing, and publishing impactful results.