Senior Process Chemist - Petrochemicals

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Professional growth opportunities

Advanced training

Balanced work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to optimize petrochemical processes in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will analyze complex reactions, develop formulations, and troubleshoot issues to improve efficiency and yield.

Collaborate with engineers and R&D to scale up processes from lab to plant. The ideal candidate has deep chemical engineering knowledge, advanced analytics experience (GC-MS, HPLC, NMR), and a track record in process optimization.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years in process or analytical chemistry with petrochemical focus.
• Strong knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics and process simulation.
• Experience in process optimization and troubleshooting in manufacturing.
• Excellent problem-solving, written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize chemical processes for petrochemicals and related products.
• Conduct detailed chemical analyses using GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR to ensure product quality and process consistency.
• Troubleshoot deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and validate new analytical methods and testing procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D on scale-up from laboratory to plant scale.
• Monitor process performance and implement efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations and policies.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on performance and findings.
• Provide mentorship to junior chemists and technicians.
• Stay updated on advancements in chemical technology and process engineering.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Communication

ISO 9001 knowledge

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry/Analytical/Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC-MS

HPLC

NMR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant entity in the Energy and petrochemical sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to enhance their operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is pivotal in optimizing chemical processes, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in chemical production. You will be responsible for analyzing complex chemical reactions, developing new formulations, and troubleshooting process issues to improve efficiency and yield. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, advanced analytical techniques, and process optimization strategies, particularly within petrochemical applications. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to a leading energy company in a picturesque coastal location, working on challenging and impactful projects. You will collaborate with engineers and R&D teams to ensure seamless production and continuous improvement of chemical processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize chemical processes for the production of petrochemicals and related products.


• Conduct detailed chemical analyses using advanced instrumentation (e.g., GC-MS, HPLC, NMR) to ensure product quality and process consistency.


• Troubleshoot process deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.


• Develop and validate new analytical methods and testing procedures.


• Collaborate with R&D teams on the scale-up of new chemical products and processes from laboratory to plant scale.


• Monitor process performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement efficiency enhancements.


• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and company policies.


• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations on process performance and research findings.


• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior chemists and technicians.


• Stay abreast of advancements in chemical technology and process engineering.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.


• A minimum of 7 years of relevant industrial experience in process chemistry or analytical chemistry, with a focus on petrochemicals or related industries.


• Expertise in a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation.


• Strong understanding of chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process simulation.


• Proven experience in process optimization and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.


• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple priorities.


• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement planning. Significant opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and career advancement within the organization are available. The company values employee well-being and promotes a balanced work environment. This role is based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape .