Senior Research Chemist - Polymer Science

Placements24; Randburg; Híbrido; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid on-site/remote work

Professional growth opportunities

Randburg location

Innovation-driven culture

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng seeks a Senior Research Chemist to lead discovery, development, and characterization of novel polymers and advanced material formulations. Hybrid role balancing on-site lab work with remote data analysis.

PhD in polymer-related field and 5+ years of polymer synthesis/characterization experience are required; strong publication/patent track record is a plus. Collaborative, innovative team environment in Randburg.

Formación

• PhD in a related field with strong polymer focus.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral or industry experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven track record of innovation and successful project completion.

Responsabilidades

• Design and conduct research experiments for polymer synthesis and modification.
• Characterize polymers using GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes to achieve desired molecular weights, compositions, and architectures.
• Investigate the structure-property relationships of new polymer materials.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to assess material performance and suitability for specific applications.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and characterization challenges, proposing creative solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in polymer science and related fields through literature review and conference participation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and contribute to patent applications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices.
• Mentor junior research staff and contribute to the team's scientific knowledge base.

Conocimientos

Polymer chemistry

Synthesis techniques

Polymer characterization

Independent work

Educación

PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Materials Science

Herramientas

GPC

NMR

DSC

TGA

Rheology

Mechanical testing

Descripción del empleo

About the Role Our client, a leader in specialty materials innovation, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Research Chemist to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is focused on the discovery, development, and characterization of novel polymers and advanced material formulations. You will be responsible for designing and executing experiments, analyzing results, and translating laboratory findings into scalable material solutions for diverse industrial applications. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, synthesis techniques, and material characterization methods, along with a passion for innovation and problem‑solving. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research and development within a collaborative and forward‑thinking environment in Randburg. Our client is committed to scientific advancement and fostering a culture of discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research experiments for the synthesis and modification of polymers with tailored properties.
• Characterize polymers using techniques such as GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and mechanical testing.
• Develop and optimize polymerization processes to achieve desired molecular weights, compositions, and architectures.
• Investigate the structure-property relationships of new polymer materials.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to assess material performance and suitability for specific applications.
• Troubleshoot synthesis and characterization challenges, proposing creative solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in polymer science and related fields through literature review and conference participation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and contribute to patent applications.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices.
• Mentor junior research staff and contribute to the team's scientific knowledge base.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Proven track record of innovation and successful project completion in polymer science.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with various polymerization techniques (e.g., free radical, controlled radical, condensation polymerization).
• Proficiency in polymer characterization techniques (GPC, NMR, DSC, TGA, rheology, mechanical testing).
• Strong understanding of polymer physics and material science principles.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, creativity, and a meticulous approach to experimentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research setting.
• Familiarity with computational modeling of polymers is a plus.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• an annual bonus
• comprehensive health benefits
• a retirement savings plan
• This hybrid role offers a balance between on-site laboratory work and remote data analysis/reporting, promoting a flexible work‑life balance.
• Employees are provided with opportunities for professional growth, including conference attendance and specialized training.
• The Randburg location offers a dynamic urban setting.
• We foster an environment that values scientific curiosity and rewards innovation.