R&D Lead - Polymers at Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd

• A well-established manufacturer with a diverse portfolio of unsaturated polyester resins, solvent-borne resins, dispersions, and additives is seeking an experienced R&D Lead to conduct fundamental and applied research from first principles to develop innovative polymer technologies, resin chemistries, and formulations that support the company's long-term growth strategy. The role will drive the development of sustainable and high-performance resin systems, strengthen the company's intellectual property portfolio, reduce reliance on licensed technologies, and translate scientific research into commercially viable products and manufacturing processes.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have an M. Sc. or internationally recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Minimum 7–10 years' industrial R&D experience within polymer science, resin technology or related chemical industries
• Demonstrated experience developing new polymer chemistries and formulations from concept to commercialisation
• High level of professionalism and reliability
• Strong technology awareness with an innovative mindset
• Experience in polymer synthesis, formulation development, experimental design, statistical analysis of experimental data, scale-up and technology transfer, as well as polymer characterisation
• Adaptable, with a commitment to continuous learning and development
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proven track record of delivering innovative technologies with measurable commercial value
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and project management skills
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigour
• Experience working with sustainability initiatives, circular economy technologies or renewable feedstocks would be advantageous
• Strong scientific innovation and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Experience working within an international technical environment or collaborating with external research institutions would be advantageous
• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership
• Customer- and business-focused approach

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting fundamental and applied research from first principles to develop innovative polymer chemistries, resin technologies, and formulations.
• Designing, synthesising, and evaluating new polymer systems aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Developing sustainable polymer technologies incorporating renewable raw materials, recycled feedstocks, and environmentally responsible chemistries.
• Developing alternative technologies that strengthen the company's intellectual property and reduce dependence on licensed technologies.
• Designing and executing scientifically robust experimental programmes using sound statistical principles.
• Identifying and developing breakthrough technologies to support long-term business growth.
• Evaluating emerging technologies, scientific literature, and market developments.
• Contributing to patent generation, intellectual property development, and proprietary technologies.
• Supporting the development of long-term technology roadmaps.
• Leading R&D projects from concept through laboratory development, pilot-scale trials, manufacturing implementation, and commercialisation.
• Managing multiple concurrent research projects while achieving agreed milestones and timelines.
• Coordinating cross-functional project teams involving Technical, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Quality.
• Translating laboratory developments into robust manufacturing processes.
• Supporting scale-up activities and manufacturing implementation.
• Providing specialist technical support during customer qualification and product commercialisation.
• Preparing technical specifications, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Developing collaborative relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers, and technology partners.
• Evaluating emerging raw materials, catalysts, and processing technologies.
• Representing the company at relevant scientific and industry forums.
• Mentoring chemists and technicians.
• Promoting a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Supporting technical capability development and succession planning.