Senior R&D Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life assurance

Professional development budget

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior R&D Chemical Engineer for a hybrid role in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will lead research initiatives, design experiments, and drive scale-up of promising technologies, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with at least 6 years in chemical R&D, and excels in experimental design, data analysis, and process modeling while communicating findings clearly.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field is required.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical R&D with emphasis on process development and scale-up.
• Strong background in experimental design, statistics, and process modeling.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently in a hybrid setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research projects focused on developing new chemical synthesis routes and processes.
• Design, set up, and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions with a high degree of accuracy.
• Develop and optimize chemical processes for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams for technology transfer and scale-up.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and patent disclosures.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and emerging technologies in chemical engineering.
• Mentor junior researchers and engineers within the R&D department.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and protection.

Skills

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Process modeling

Team mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly innovative and experienced Senior R&D Chemical Engineer to join their advanced research and development team based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is central to driving the discovery and development of new chemical products and processes. You will lead research initiatives, design and execute experiments, analyze results, and contribute to the scale-up of promising technologies. The position requires a strong scientific foundation, creativity, and a passion for innovation. This is a hybrid role, blending dedicated time in our Mossel Bay laboratory and pilot plant facilities with remote work for data analysis, report writing, and virtual team collaboration. You will work on cutting-edge projects, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to bring novel solutions to market. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to translate scientific concepts into practical, commercially viable applications.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and conduct research projects focused on developing new chemical synthesis routes and processes. Design, set up, and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments. Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions with a high degree of accuracy. Develop and optimize chemical processes for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams for technology transfer and scale-up. Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and patent disclosures. Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and emerging technologies in chemical engineering. Mentor junior researchers and engineers within the R&D department. Contribute to intellectual property generation and protection.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with a strong research background. Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical research and development, with a focus on process development and scale-up. Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, statistical analysis, and process modeling. Proficiency with laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation. Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation processes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously. Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating self-discipline and collaboration skills. Must be willing to work on-site at the Mossel Bay facility as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, generous bonus potential tied to research breakthroughs and project success, and an excellent benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and life assurance. You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a budget for professional development, including attendance at leading scientific conferences. This hybrid role provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for both independent research and collaborative problem-solving. Paid vacation and company holidays are provided. Join a company at the forefront of chemical innovation.