Senior Research Scientist - Environmental Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Paid time off

Lab facilities access

Supportive environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Environmental Chemistry to lead studies on contaminants, develop advanced methods, and contribute to sustainable solutions. The role involves cross‑functional collaboration and publication activity within a hybrid work model.

The successful candidate will guide projects, interpret complex data, and drive environmental risk assessments in a research‑driven organization. A PhD and 5+ years of post‑doc/industry experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry or analytical field.
• At least 5 years post-PhD research experience.
• Experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of environmental processes and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in project management and leading research initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a publication record.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research on fate, transport, and impact of environmental pollutants.
• Develop and optimize analytical methods for detecting contaminants in water, soil, air.
• Analyze data with statistics and inform environmental risk assessments and remediation.
• Lead and mentor junior research staff.
• Publish peer‑reviewed publications and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and industry partners to develop environmental solutions.

Skills

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP-MS

Analytical instrumentation

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Environmental Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP-MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Research Scientist specializing in Environmental Chemistry to join their dedicated team in Upington. This critical role will focus on investigating environmental contaminants, developing advanced analytical methods, and contributing to sustainable environmental solutions. You will lead research projects, interpret complex data, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address pressing environmental challenges. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned scientist to make a significant contribution to environmental science and policy within a research-focused organization operating under a hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research studies on the fate, transport, and impact of environmental pollutants.
• Develop and optimize advanced analytical methodologies for detecting and quantifying environmental contaminants in various matrices (water, soil, air).
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to inform environmental risk assessments and remediation strategies.
• Lead and mentor junior research staff, providing scientific guidance and oversight.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and industry partners to develop innovative environmental solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in environmental science.
• Proven expertise in analytical instrumentation such as GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and relevant sample preparation techniques.
• Strong understanding of environmental processes, contaminant behavior, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in project management and leading research initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for professional development.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• A supportive work environment focused on impactful environmental research.