Research & Development Chemist

2 days ago

Durban, South Africa The HR Company Full time

**Purpose of the job**
- Innovation and Discovery
- Product Development and Improvement
- Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
- Scientific Research and Collaboration
- Industry and Market Competitiveness
- Regulatory Compliance and Safety

**Key Duties**
- Conduct research and experimentation to develop new products, formulations, and processes to meet changing market requirements.
- Design and optimize routes to improve product performance, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
- Analyse and interpret experimental data using a variety of techniques (GC, DSC, UV-vis etc.).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop R&D strategies, project networks and timelines.
- Develop relationships with external laboratories (SGS/Intertek/Universities) with the ability to collaborate to develop/modify new methods.
- Commission new equipment and technologies to expand capabilities as needed.
- Evaluate and select new raw materials for products, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during product development, including scaling production processes from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing scale.
- Prepare report, presentations, and documentation to communicate research findings and project updates to stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results in compliance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
- Adhere to safety guidelines and best practices in the laboratory, ensuring a safe working environment.
- Attend/Lead FMIS/MOC/RCA meetings as needed with focus on customer satisfaction.
- Attend Global R&D Meetings, report on project progress and execute actions emanating from those meetings.

**Skills knowledge and experience required**:

- Minimum of B. Sc Hons or Masters degree preferable.
- Proven experience in R&D in an industrial or FMCG setting with a minimum of 2-3 years relevant experience.
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of organic, inorganic or physical chemistry with a focus on product development.
- An individual who values autonomy and performs best in that environment.
- Experience in projects methodologies would be advantageous.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an understanding of root-cause analysis.
- Excellent communication skills at all levels, proven report writing and presentation skills to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Operates effectively under pressure, can manage multiple and changing priorities and team dynamics, whilst maintaining accuracy, attention to details and quality of output.
- A background in sustainability and carbon footprint would be advantageous.
- Ability to work autonomously and is self-motivated.
- Has access to a network of external laboratories and consultants to supplement projects.
- Computer Literacy (Microsoft: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, JDE)
- Competent in and understands system standards, quality standards and associated regulations/legislation in the industry.
- Prepared to travel between sites and to local customer visits/complaints, conferences and training.

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