Senior Research Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

PhD support

Conference budget

Research facilities access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Chemical Engineer to lead research in sustainable chemical processes in Paarl, Western Cape. You will guide projects from concept through pilot-scale implementation, applying catalysis, reaction engineering, separations, and green chemistry to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.

The role emphasizes independent work, collaboration with R&D and operations, and mentoring researchers while contributing to IP and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with strong publication record.
• 7+ years of post-doctoral research experience in process development and innovation.
• Expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, separations, or biochemical engineering.
• Proven ability to lead research projects from inception to completion.
• Strong design of experiments, data analysis, and modeling skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience in technical writing and presentations.
• Willingness to relocate to Paarl, Western Cape.

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.

Skills

Catalysis

Reaction engineering

Separations

Biochemical engineering

Experimental design

Data analysis

Modeling techniques

Technical writing

Communication

Project leadership

IP familiarity

Relocation willingness

Green chemistry

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.