Senior Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote option

Competitive compensation package

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay seeks a Senior Research Scientist with expertise in Polymer Chemistry to lead the R&D team in developing novel polymeric materials and high-tech formulations.

You will design synthesis routes, characterize materials with GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC and TGA, and mentor junior scientists while collaborating with product teams to bring innovations to market.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry or related field.
• At least 5 years of research experience in polymer synthesis/characterization.
• Industrial R&D experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of polymerization mechanisms and kinetics.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties.
• Characterize polymer materials using GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Investigate structure–property relationships and optimize polymerization processes.
• Collaborate with product development teams to translate lab findings into commercial products.
• Author scientific publications, technical reports, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of innovation.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Characterization

Project management

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Polymer Chemistry

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

GPC

NMR

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and innovative Senior Research Scientist with expertise in Polymer Chemistry to join their dedicated R&D team based in Mossel Bay . This role is central to developing novel polymeric materials and advanced formulations for a variety of high-tech applications. You will lead research projects, design synthesis routes, characterize new materials, and collaborate with product development teams to bring groundbreaking innovations to market. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to material science advancements in a dynamic environment, shaping the future of polymer applications from your remote working setup.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel polymers with tailored properties for specific applications.
• Characterize polymer materials using techniques such as GPC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and TGA.
• Investigate structure-property relationships and optimize polymerization processes for improved performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with product development teams to translate laboratory findings into viable commercial products.
• Author scientific publications, technical reports, and patent applications related to new polymer discoveries.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry , Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in polymer synthesis and characterization, preferably in an industrial R&D setting.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of polymerization mechanisms and kinetics.
• Proficiency with modern polymer characterization techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage research projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous allowance for professional development, including conferences and workshops.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a fully remote option for this role.
• Access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment focused on innovation.