Senior Research Associate

Givaudan; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global fragrance company based in Durban is seeking a Senior Research Associate for its Discovery group. The role involves the development of new molecules for perfumery, requiring a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and up to 3 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include conducting laboratory experiments, synthesizing perfume ingredients, and optimizing chemical processes. The position offers a competitive benefits package and is embedded in a collaborative team-focused environment.

Benefits

Attractive package with benefits

Paid annual leave and sick leave

Commercial insurance

Good opportunities for learning and development

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of additional bench work experience in organic synthesis.
• Experience in biotechnology applications like enzymatic transformations.
• Solid knowledge and practical experience in organic purification methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments utilizing established internal procedures.
• Synthesize, purify, and analyze new perfume ingredients.
• Optimize and upscale chemical processes.

Skills

Organic reactions knowledge

Analytical techniques (NMR, GC‑MS)

MS Office proficiency

Team player

Safety practices in a laboratory

Education

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

CS ChemOffice (ChemDraw)

SciFinder

Reaxys

Job description

Join us and celebrate the beauty of human experience. Create for happier, healthier lives, with love for nature. Together, with passion and creativity, we deliver food innovations, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions. There’s much to learn and many to learn from, with more than 16,000 employees around the world to explore ideas and ambitions with. Every day, your talent, your innovative spirit, and your determination will shape our future, making a positive difference on billions of people. Every essence of you enriches our world. We are Givaudan. Human by nature.

A Senior Research Associate role in the Discovery group of the Fragrance Division plays important role in the development of new molecules for perfumery and sensory evaluation. This role leverages advanced expertise in synthetic organic chemistry gained through high-level education at reputable academic institutions. You will conduct research programs aimed at identifying high performing, sustainable odorants and additives for the fragrance industry, ensuring understanding of the company's business objectives and corporate strategy. A key focus of the position is the synthesis of research molecules based on the designs provided by Research Scientists, as well as independently resolving synthetic challenges that arise during the process.

In this exciting role you will:

• Knowledge of organic reactions, conduct laboratory experiments utilizing established internal and existing literature procedures. Evaluate and solve synthetic problems with certain degree of independence. Design synthetic access to target molecules.
• Synthesis, purification, and analysis of new perfume ingredients on milligram, gram and multi-gram scale.
• Optimization and up-scaling of chemical processes.
• Documentation of experimental data in English, observations, and conclusions.
• Maintenance of the lab equipment and the stock of basic chemicals.
• Knowledge of safety of laboratory work.
• Help to maintain a tidy and clean workspace.

Your professional profile includes:

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with 0-3 years of additional bench work experience in organic synthesis.
• Experience on biotechnology applications (e.g., enzymatic transformations, fermentation processes).
• Solid knowledge and practical experience in analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, GC‑MS) and organic purification methods.
• Proficiency in MS Office, CS ChemOffice (ChemDraw), SciFinder, and Reaxys.
• Active participation in team discussions and group seminars.
• Team player, resilient, and able to set clear priorities.
• Good understanding of safety practices in an organic chemistry laboratory.
• Good command of written English.

Our Benefits:

• Attractive package with benefits
• Paid annual leave and sick leave
• Commercial insurance
• Good opportunities for progressive learning and development
• A creative team environment that will inspire you

At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people’s lives.
You work within an inspiring teamwork culture – where you can thrive, collaborate and learn from other talented and passionate people across disciplines, regions and divisions.
Every essence of you enriches our world.
Diversity drives innovation and creates closer connections with our employees, customers and partners.
Givaudan embraces diversity and is committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone impacts our world.