Senior Process Chemist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to join our Upington R&D team. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling chemical processes for reliable production of specialty chemicals.

You will design experiments, troubleshoot production issues, and ensure smooth transitions from pilot to commercial scale. The ideal candidate has a solid background in synthetic chemistry, process engineering, and analytical techniques, with a proven ability to translate lab findings into robust

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with a focus on process chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in process chemistry or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize reactions and scale-up processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for industrial-scale production.
• Design and execute lab experiments to explore process parameters and improvements.
• Perform scale-up studies from lab to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues in manufacturing.
• Analyze process samples using GC, HPLC, NMR and titration; interpret results.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers, production staff and QC teams.
• Develop SOPs for new and existing processes.
• Identify opportunities for process innovation and cost reduction.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians.

Skills

Process Chemistry

Analytical instrumentation

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

M.Sc./Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC

HPLC

NMR

Titration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Chemist to join their R&D team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical processes for the efficient and safe production of specialty chemicals. You will be responsible for designing laboratory experiments, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring the seamless transition of processes from pilot to commercial scale. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in synthetic chemistry, process engineering principles, and analytical techniques, with a proven ability to translate laboratory findings into robust industrial processes. As a Senior Process Chemist, you will play a key role in enhancing product quality, improving yields, and reducing manufacturing costs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative chemical manufacturing solutions in a region known for its industrial development. Working in Upington, Northern Cape, provides a unique environment for growth and contribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for industrial-scale chemical production.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments to investigate process parameters and improvements.
• Perform scale-up studies from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues in manufacturing.
• Analyze process samples and interpret results using various analytical techniques (e.g., GC, HPLC, NMR, titration).
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers, production staff, and quality control teams.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new and existing processes.
• Identify opportunities for process innovation and cost reduction.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on process chemistry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry, preferably in the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in optimizing chemical reactions and scale-up processes.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation for process monitoring and quality control.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with process safety management principles is a plus.
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles is desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Employees will benefit from working with modern production facilities and collaborating with experienced professionals. Located in Upington, Northern Cape, this role provides a chance to make a significant contribution to the chemical industry. Additional benefits include paid time off and a supportive work environment. Join a company committed to operational excellence and innovation.