Senior Process Chemist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to lead development and optimization of chemical processes within a dynamic R&D team.

The role requires a strong background in reaction engineering, scale-up, and analytical methods, with 5–7 years of industry experience. You will collaborate across research, engineering, and production to deliver robust, safe, and compliant processes for our manufacturing partners.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive process development experience.
• Experience in scale-up and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments, pilot plant trials, and support full-scale production runs.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive reports with recommendations for process improvements.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring reaction progress and product quality (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR, IR, UV-Vis).
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, engineers, and production to ensure seamless process transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during process development, scale-up and manufacturing.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of scientific literature, patents, and industry best practices.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance to team members.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Analytical methods

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

HPLC

GC/MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing firm based in the industrial heartland of Pietermaritzburg , KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Process Chemist to join their dynamic research and development team. This role is pivotal in driving innovation and optimizing existing chemical processes to meet stringent quality and efficiency standards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical reactions, process scale-up, and analytical methodologies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of chemical engineering within a company renowned for its commitment to technological excellence and sustainable practices. You will be working in a collaborative environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions directly impact the company's success. We are looking for someone who is passionate about chemistry and eager to tackle complex challenges in a real-world industrial setting. The work environment balances rigorous scientific inquiry with practical application, ensuring continuous learning and professional growth. Join us and be a part of a team that is shaping the future of chemical production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize chemical processes for new and existing products, focusing on yield improvement, cost reduction, and environmental impact.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments, pilot plant trials, and support full-scale production runs to validate and refine processes.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive reports with clear recommendations for process improvements.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring reaction progress and product quality using techniques such as HPLC, GC, spectroscopy, and titration.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D scientists, engineers, and production staff, to ensure seamless process transfer and implementation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during process development, scale-up, and manufacturing.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of relevant scientific literature, patents, and industry best practices.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance to team members.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in chemical process development and optimization, preferably within the manufacturing or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing experiments, interpreting complex data sets, and scale-up of chemical processes.
• Hands-on experience with a range of analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR, IR, UV-Vis, etc.).
• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and reaction engineering principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a systematic approach to identifying root causes of issues.
• Proficiency in using process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is a strong advantage.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• A strong commitment to laboratory safety and ethical scientific conduct.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Employees enjoy comprehensive medical aid, a generous provident fund contribution, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for continuous professional development through internal and external training programs.

We foster a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and work-life balance. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates. Join our client in Pietermaritzburg and build a rewarding career in a company that values its people and their contributions.