Senior Research Chemical Engineer - Sustainable Technologies (Remote)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Access to leading-edge research tools

Virtual conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Chemical Engineer to join a fully remote R&D team focused on sustainable chemistry. You will guide projects from concept to pilot scale, translating laboratory insights into industrial applications with strong data analysis and clear scientific communication.

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field and 7+ years of post‑doctoral/industrial research are required, with proven leadership and a track record in green chemistry or catalysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of post‑doctoral or industrial research experience.
• Strong background in sustainable technologies, green chemistry, or catalysis.
• Proven leadership of research projects with publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives for sustainable chemical processes.
• Design and execute advanced experiments in lab and pilot settings.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and optimize reaction pathways and separations.
• Prepare technical reports and patent documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing innovative and sustainable chemical solutions for a greener future. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Chemical Engineer to join our cutting‑edge, fully remote research and development team. This role is pivotal in driving the discovery and scaling of novel chemical processes and products that minimize environmental impact. You will be responsible for conceptualizing new research projects, conducting advanced laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments, and translating laboratory findings into viable industrial applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong research background, a passion for sustainability, and excellent skills in data analysis and scientific communication. This remote position allows you to contribute to impactful research from anywhere, collaborating with a world‑class team of scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives focused on developing sustainable chemical processes and materials.
• Design and execute complex experiments, both in laboratory and pilot plant settings, using advanced analytical techniques.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and optimize chemical reaction pathways and separation processes.
• Prepare detailed research reports, technical documentation, and patent applications.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to advance research projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in sustainable chemistry.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative R&D environment.
• Identify opportunities for intellectual property development and commercialization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Chemistry with significant engineering application).
• 7+ years of post‑doctoral or industrial research experience, with a strong focus on sustainable technologies, green chemistry, or catalysis.
• Proven track record of successful research project leadership and publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Extensive experience with laboratory techniques, process scale‑up, and pilot plant operations.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and scientific modeling tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a creative approach to research challenges.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects effectively in a remote setup.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and driving positive change.

Benefits

This remote position offers an exceptional salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a robust retirement savings plan. Our client is dedicated to fostering innovation and professional growth, providing access to leading‑edge research tools, virtual conferences, and opportunities to collaborate on groundbreaking projects. You will have the autonomy to drive research forward and contribute significantly to solving global environmental challenges. This is a unique chance to be part of a mission‑driven organization that values pioneering research and employee well‑being.