Senior Research Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Paid time off

Conference budget

Publish opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Chemical Engineer in the Western Cape region to advance sustainable chemical process development. You will lead cutting-edge projects, design advanced experiments, and translate findings into viable process concepts.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 7+ years of post-doctoral experience, strong publication record, and expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, and separations. Based in Paarl, relocation assistance may be provided.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or closely related field with a strong publication record.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral research experience focusing on process development and innovation.
• Expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, separations, or biochemical engineering.
• Proven ability to lead research projects from inception to completion.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and modeling skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with technical writing and presenting experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-intensive environment.
• Experience with intellectual property processes and patent filing is desirable.
• Experience in green chemistry or sustainable process development is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on sustainable chemical processes.
• Design and conduct complex experiments in lab and pilot-scale settings.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and develop robust theoretical models.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies for process innovation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations and external partners.
• Prepare detailed research reports, presentations, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental standards.
• Stay current with literature and industry trends in sustainable chemistry.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the R&D department.

Skills

Catalysis

Reaction engineering

Separations

Biochemical engineering

Project leadership

Data analysis

Modeling

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking company specializing in sustainable chemical technologies, is seeking a Senior Research Chemical Engineer to bolster their innovation efforts in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is focused on pioneering research and development in novel chemical processes with an emphasis on environmental impact reduction and resource efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead research projects, conduct advanced experimentation, and translate laboratory findings into viable process concepts. We are looking for a highly analytical and creative individual with a passion for scientific inquiry and a proven ability to drive innovation from concept to potential implementation. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that addresses critical global challenges in sustainability and chemical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on developing novel and sustainable chemical processes.
• Design and conduct complex experiments in laboratory and pilot-scale settings.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and develop robust theoretical models.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and methodologies for process innovation.
• Collaborate with internal teams (R&D, engineering, operations) and external partners to advance research objectives.
• Prepare detailed research reports, technical presentations, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a knowledge-sharing environment.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and environmental standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature and industry trends in sustainable chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field, with a strong publication record.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in academia or industry, focusing on process development and innovation.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas such as catalysis, reaction engineering, separations, or biochemical engineering.
• Proven ability to lead research projects from inception to completion.
• Strong proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and modeling techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical writing and presenting.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-intensive environment.
• Familiarity with intellectual property processes and patent filing.
• Experience in green chemistry or sustainable process development is highly desirable.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and study leave.
• Significant budget for conference attendance and professional development.
• Opportunities to publish and present research findings.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.