Research Chemist at AECI Limited

Job Description

• Research and formulation of new products that have been identified and approved for development within AECI Plant Health.
• To research and investigate new products and expansion of existing products to find new applications for the Southern African and International markets with a focus on less toxic product formulations.
• To conduct research on the components of the new and existing products to rationalize their significance in the efficacy of formulations.
• To liaise with the Technical team to plan trial protocols and conduct efficacy and phytotoxicity trials of newly formulated products that are at Research phase to determine effective application rates etc.
• To participate in the registration process through stability testing, preparation of registration trial samples, packaging compatibilities etc.
• To participate in the commissioning of new products through preparation of the manufacturing team for upscaling of approved products and support the team with products stewardship and troubleshooting.
• To develop agrochemical and plant nutrition formulations identified and approved for development within AECI Plant Health.
• Keep retention samples or a period of time suitable for the commercialization of the product.
• Provide and optimize formulation costings.
• To improve the quality and stability of existing formulations.
• Complete a formulations change report in the form of a TCR documents.
• To investigate new technologies and /or products for the South African Market.
• To develop unique plant protection and plant nutrition products.
• To prepare trial samples of new and /or existing products for field registrations trials.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research and formulation of new products that have been identified and approved for development within AECI Plant Health.
• To research and investigate new products and expansion of existing products to find new applications for the Southern African and International markets with a focus on less toxic product formulations.
• To conduct research on the components of the new and existing products to rationalize their significance in the efficacy of formulations.
• To liaise with the Technical team to plan trial protocols and conduct efficacy and phytotoxicity trials of newly formulated products that are at Research phase to determine effective application rates etc.
• To participate in the registration process through stability testing, preparation of registration trial samples, packaging compatibilities etc.
• To participate in the commissioning of new products through preparation of the manufacturing team for upscaling of approved products and support the team with products stewardship and troubleshooting.
• To develop agrochemical and plant nutrition formulations identified and approved for development within AECI Plant Health.
• Keep retention samples or a period of time suitable for the commercialization of the product.
• Provide and optimize formulation costings.
• To improve the quality and stability of existing formulations.
• Complete a formulations change report in the form of a TCR documents.
• To investigate new technologies and /or products for the South African Market.
• To develop unique plant protection and plant nutrition products.
• To prepare trial samples of new and /or existing products for field registrations trials.

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric
• Minimum education – BSC Hons or MSc in Chemistry, or BSc Hons in Formulation Science.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in research and product formulation, preferably plant protection and plant health products.
• Must have basic knowledge of Syspro.
• Must possess an understanding of the general agricultural formulations in existence, e.g. EC, ME, EW, SC, SL, WP, SP etc.
• Ensure adherence to the laboratory safety standards and procedures.

Competencies

• Results orientated
• Team player
• Driven for success
• Adaptable and flexible
• Communication skills