Senior Process Chemist - Industrial Synthesis

Placements24; Vereeniging; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement planning

Paid time off

Career development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist in Vereeniging, Gauteng, to lead process development and scale-up for industrial chemical syntheses. You will design experiments, optimize yields and purity, and mentor junior staff in a fast-paced plant setting.

You will craft analytical methods, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and collaborate with engineering to transfer processes to production, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Formación

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry or related field, with strong organic/physical focus.
• Minimum of 6 years in process chemistry, R&D, or chemical manufacturing.
• Expertise in organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with HPLC, GC, NMR, MS, and spectroscopy methods.

Responsabilidades

• Lead process development and optimization for new and existing syntheses.
• Run lab- and pilot-scale experiments to define optimal conditions, yields, and purity.
• Develop robust analytical methods for process monitoring and QC.
• Investigate deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering for scale-up and tech transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and regulatory adherence in all activities.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians, driving technical growth.
• Prepare detailed reports, batch records, and documentation.
• Stay updated on new process chemistry technologies and methods.

Conocimientos

Organic synthesis

Process development

Scale-up

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Hazop knowledge

Educación

MSc or PhD in Chemistry

Herramientas

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

Spectroscopy

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a prominent specialty chemicals manufacturer based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to lead the optimization and scale-up of industrial chemical synthesis processes. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality chemical products. You will be responsible for driving innovation in process chemistry, troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges, and mentoring junior chemists. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the company's operational excellence and product development pipeline within a dynamic industrial setting. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in organic synthesis, process development, and scale-up, combined with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimization for new and existing industrial chemical syntheses.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to define optimal reaction conditions, yields, and purity profiles.
• Develop robust analytical methods for process monitoring and quality control.
• Investigate and resolve process deviations and production issues, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams for successful process scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Ensure all process development activities adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Mentor and guide junior process chemists and technicians, fostering technical growth and expertise.
• Author detailed process development reports, batch records, and technical documentation.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in process chemistry and chemical engineering.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemistry (Organic or Physical), Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry, R&D, or chemical manufacturing, with a focus on synthesis.
• Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, MS, and spectroscopy.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles relevant to industrial processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with HAZOP studies and process safety management is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the importance of this senior role, along with performance-related bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits program includes excellent medical coverage, retirement planning assistance, and generous paid time off.
• We are committed to employee development, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and career progression.
• Working within a state-of-the‑art facility, you will join a dedicated team focused on innovation and operational excellence in the chemical industry.