Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art R&D facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer in Pretoria to lead experimental design and analysis for novel chemical products. You will design laboratory experiments, validate analytical methods, and collaborate across chemistry and engineering teams in a hybrid work setting.

The role emphasizes DoE, data analytics, and scalable processes from lab to pilot plant, with strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and IP generation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field with strong R&D emphasis.
• Minimum 6 years of post-graduate experience in chemical R&D.
• Proven expertise in experimental design (DoE) and statistical data analysis.
• Strong understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience with analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, spectroscopy).
• Laboratory automation and process modeling software experience is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience in hybrid on-site and remote work environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments to explore new chemical pathways and optimize parameters.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for new compounds and materials.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive reports.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to stay current.
• Collaborate with chemists and engineers on R&D projects.
• Scale up promising lab processes to pilot scale and address challenges.
• Identify process improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Contribute to IP generation through invention disclosures and patent filings.
• Present findings at internal reviews and external conferences.
• Maintain thorough laboratory notebooks and records.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Chemical kinetics

Thermodynamics

Process modeling

Lab automation

Data interpretation

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

NMR

Spectroscopy

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Senior Research & Development Chemical Engineer to contribute to their cutting-edge R&D division based in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This role is central to the discovery and development of novel chemical products and processes. You will leverage your advanced chemical engineering principles and research acumen to design, execute, and analyze experiments aimed at improving existing products and creating new ones. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and a passion for scientific exploration. This position offers a stimulating work environment with access to advanced laboratory facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team of scientists and engineers. The **hybrid** work model allows for a balance between focused on-site laboratory work and valuable remote collaboration and analysis. Be part of a team pushing the boundaries of chemical innovation in **Pretoria**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments to explore new chemical pathways and optimize reaction parameters.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing new compounds and materials.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and generate comprehensive reports.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches to stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, materials scientists, and other engineers on R&D projects.
• Scale up promising laboratory processes to pilot scale, addressing technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Present research findings at internal technical reviews and potentially external conferences.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and records.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong emphasis on R&D.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant post-graduate experience in chemical research and development.
• Proven expertise in experimental design (DoE) and statistical data analysis.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering.
• Experience with various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, spectroscopy) is essential.
• Proficiency in laboratory automation and process modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience working effectively in a hybrid environment, contributing both on-site and remotely.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive retirement savings plan.
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage are provided.
• Employees benefit from generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick days.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending scientific forums are encouraged.
• Our **Pretoria** facility is equipped with state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure.
• This **hybrid** role provides flexibility and ensures you can thrive both in the lab and during your remote working periods.
• Join our innovative team and help shape the future of chemical products.