Senior R&D Chemical Engineer - Catalysis

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior R&D Chemical Engineer with catalysis expertise to join a cutting-edge firm in Pretoria, Gauteng. The hybrid role focuses on developing novel catalysts and catalytic processes, advancing lab discoveries toward pilot-scale validation, and bridging concepts to industrial application.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering with 6+ years in catalysis, extensive hands-on experimental experience, strong publication records, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with a strong specialization in catalysis or reaction engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial R&D experience in catalysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of catalysts.
• Develop and optimize catalytic processes for green chemistry, energy storage, and CO2 utilization.
• Conduct kinetic studies, reactor design, and performance evaluation of catalytic systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials with robust data collection.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques for catalyst characterization (XRD, SEM, BET, chemisorption).
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to meet project objectives in Pretoria, Gauteng.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the IP portfolio.

Skills

Catalysis

Kinetics

Reactor design

Scale-up

Experimentation

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

MATLAB

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm specializing in sustainable chemical technologies, is seeking a Senior R&D Chemical Engineer with expertise in catalysis to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects focused on developing novel catalysts and catalytic processes for a cleaner future. You will be instrumental in advancing laboratory-scale discoveries through to pilot-plant validation, bridging the gap between innovative concepts and industrial application. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background, hands-on experimental experience, and a passion for innovation in chemical engineering. This position requires a balance of independent research and collaborative teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts.
• Develop and optimize catalytic processes for applications in areas such as green chemistry, energy storage, and CO2 utilization.
• Conduct detailed kinetic studies, reactor design, and performance evaluation of catalytic systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials, ensuring robust data collection and analysis.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques for catalyst characterization (e.g., XRD, SEM, BET, chemisorption).
• Collaborate closely with chemists, materials scientists, and other engineers to achieve project objectives in Pretoria, Gauteng.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the intellectual property portfolio of the company.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging trends in catalysis and chemical reaction engineering.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a strong specialization in catalysis or reaction engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial R&D experience in catalysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Proficiency in kinetic modeling and simulation software.
• Experience with reactor design and scale-up of catalytic processes.
• Excellent experimental design and execution skills.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting at scientific conferences.
• Familiarity with R&D practices within the Pretoria, Gauteng innovation ecosystem.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional growth and publication. Employees benefit from a stimulating research environment, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and the chance to contribute to world-changing technologies. Participate in conferences and workshops to enhance your expertise. This role supports a hybrid work model based in Pretoria, Gauteng.