Product Development Chemist

SUMMARY:
A leading agrochemical manufacturer is seeking the above to research and formulate new agrochemical and plant nutrition products as well as improve existing formulations.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a M.Sc. in Chemistry or Formulation Science
• BASOS or AVCASA would be advantageous
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in research and chemical formulations will be required
• At least 2 years’ experience with agricultural products trial compilations and protocols
• Must be proficient in MS Office and Syspro would be an added advantage
• Must have general knowledge of Act 36 of 1947 and an understanding of the general agricultural formulations in existence, e.g. EC’s. SC’s. SL’s, WP’s, TB’s, etc.
• A valid driver’s license and own reliable transport are essential

• Researching different formulation types suitable for identified active ingredients and for new, less toxic substances.
• Liaising with suppliers with regards to their ingredients.
• Formulating the product and performing stability testing on the product.
• Keeping retention samples for a period of time suitable for the commercialisation of the product.
• Maintaining meticulous records of all work carried out in the development of a product.
• Completing a new formulation report in the form of an NPF document.
• Conducting research on the components in the new products to rationalise their significance.
• Planning trial protocols and conducting marketing field trials of newly formulated nutritional and agrochemical products.
• Compiling compressive reports of all research findings on new products, including formulation and field trial reports.
• Participating in the writing of scientific reports for the purpose of publishing or patenting.
• Providing formulation costings of the new product.
• Improving existing formulations on which complaints have been received if the complaint is formulation related.
• Planning and executing field trials to gain an understanding of existing in-house products.
• Assisting with production troubleshooting of formulation quality problems.
• Investigating new technology and/or products for the Southern Africa market.
• Attending relevant training courses to remain aware of the market trends.
• Researching and developing products that are less toxic and of natural origin.
• Developing plant health and plant nutrition products.
• Conducting stability testing for products prior to registration according to FAO specifications and record all results on a stability report.
• Preparing samples for field registration trials.
• Liaising with the Regulatory Manager and Development Manager, and compiling registration trial protocols on products as required.
• Liaising with the relevant PPC and compiling marketing trial protocol on products as required.
• Supervising the execution and completion of registration and marketing trials.
• Assisting in training and presentation of newly developed products to the sales, marketing team and the PPC.
• Supervising the up-scaling of newly developed products in the production plant.
• Ensuring adherence to all internal control policies as directed by Management.
• Conforming to relevant SHEQ rules and regulations as per company policy.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.