Senior Process Chemist - Sustainable Manufacturing

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Laboratories & pilot plant access

Hybrid work model

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to optimize and scale up sustainable chemical processes. The role involves green chemistry, process development and collaboration with production and R&D teams.

The candidate should hold a PhD in a related field with 6+ years in industrial process chemistry R&D, strong kinetics/thermodynamics knowledge, and experience with PSM/HAZOP. Hybrid work and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field with focus on process chemistry or sustainable manufacturing.
• 6+ years in process chemistry R&D with industrial scale-up.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, kinetics, thermodynamics and separations.
• Strong knowledge of green chemistry and its industrial application.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis (HAZOP).
• Proficiency with process simulation software Aspen Plus or HYSYS.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and scale up chemical processes focusing on efficiency, safety and sustainability.
• Apply green chemistry principles to reduce environmental impact and waste.
• Conduct lab experiments on kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanisms related to optimization.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate improvements.
• Analyze data to identify improvements and troubleshoot production issues.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure lab-to-plant tech transfer.
• Develop and implement process safety assessments and control strategies.
• Stay updated on advances in chemical engineering and sustainability.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation and publications.
• Mentor junior chemists and engineers.
• Ensure compliance with EH&S regulations.

Skills

Process chemistry

R&D experience

Scale-up expertise

Reaction engineering

Kinetics & thermodynamics

Green chemistry

PSM/HAZOP

Process simulation

Analytical/problem solving

Leadership & collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking chemical manufacturing company committed to sustainability, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their innovative research and development team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is central to optimizing existing chemical processes and developing new, environmentally friendly manufacturing methodologies. You will leverage your deep understanding of chemical engineering principles, reaction kinetics, and green chemistry to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the overall sustainability of production. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in process development and scale-up, with a passion for implementing sustainable solutions in industrial settings. You will work closely with production teams, R&D scientists, and engineering staff to implement process improvements and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges. This is a significant opportunity to drive impactful change in chemical manufacturing, contributing to greener industrial practices in a beautiful and dynamic region. The role offers a challenging and rewarding career path within a company dedicated to innovation and environmental responsibility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale up chemical processes with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Investigate and implement green chemistry principles to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste, and improve resource utilization.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to study reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms relevant to process optimization.
• Design and execute pilot plant trials to validate process improvements and gather data for full-scale production.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for improvement and troubleshoot production issues.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to plant scale.
• Develop and implement process safety assessments and control strategies.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in chemical engineering, process chemistry, and sustainable manufacturing technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process documentation, and research publications.
• Mentor junior chemists and engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in process chemistry or sustainable manufacturing.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry R&D, with a focus on scale-up and optimization in an industrial setting.
• Proven expertise in reaction engineering, kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes.
• Strong knowledge of green chemistry principles and their application in industrial processes.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and hazard analysis (HAZOP) is essential.
• Proficiency in using process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information.
• Ability to lead projects and work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .
• Experience with characterization techniques relevant to chemical processes.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including specialized training and conference attendance.
• Access to well-equipped laboratories and pilot plant facilities.
• Opportunity to work on innovative projects focused on sustainable manufacturing.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing and environmentally conscious company.
• Hybrid work model for enhanced flexibility.