62 Scientific Innovation jobs in South Africa

Join to apply for the Research & Development Associate role at ExecutivePlacements.com - The JOB Portal

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Research & Development Associate role at ExecutivePlacements.com - The JOB Portal

SUMMARY:

A global leader in cross-border IT Hardware and Medical equipment logistics, specialising in end-to-end trade compliance, import/export services, and international delivery is looking for

Recruiter:

RareCruit

Job Ref:

CPT /KJ

Date posted:

Monday, June 30, 2025

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY:

A global leader in cross-border IT Hardware and Medical equipment logistics, specialising in end-to-end trade compliance, import/export services, and international delivery is looking for Research & Development Associate to join their team.

Operating in over 200 countries and territories, they help organisations overcome regulatory and logistical barriers to move high-value technology and medical assets seamlessly and securely.

With a strong focus on customs compliance, tax management, and risk mitigation, they simplify complex international shipments so our clients can focus on scaling their operations globally.

POSITION INFO:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Excellent High School and University results.
• Professional qualification: a business - related qualification can be advantageous.
  
  

• Reading with comprehension.
• Written communication.
• Verbal communication.
• Confident and persuasive in communications with suppliers.
• Ability to proactively identify problems and think of creative solutions.
• Excellent business acumen.
• Attention to detail with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Ability to adapt within the ever-changing business environment.
• Well organised to be able to run multiple projects concurrently.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication.
  
  

• Seniority level Entry level

• Employment type Full-time

• Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries Advertising Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at ExecutivePlacements.com - The JOB Portal by 2x

Hillbrow, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days ago

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 2 days ago

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 1 week ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

Our client is seeking an experienced and technically astute Research & Development Manager to lead their Research & Development laboratory operations and oversee projects related to alternative raw materials, packaging changes, stability testing, and the transition from new product development to commercial launches. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of R&D and will work closely with the Chief Innovation Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all R&D lab activities, including setting weekly work plans and monitoring progress.

• Manage projects covering regulatory compliance, raw material changes, new packaging, and product promotions.

• Chair weekly project tracker meetings and provide clear updates to the Head of R&D and other stakeholders.

• Draft and approve departmental SOPs to ensure operational excellence.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and QA teams to resolve batch failures, reworks, and customer complaints.

• Oversee documentation from Operational and Stability Chemists to internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) in Syspro.

• Manage MMI storage, archiving, updates, and issuing.

• Oversee IEP/CEP sample and report control.

• Mentor, develop, and appraise the R&D team, identifying and implementing training needs.

• Ensure R&D team members are fully trained to transition NPD and formula upgrades to commercial manufacturing.

• Manage team administration, including attendance, discipline, and performance standards.

• Support the Head of R&D with departmental budgeting and cost management.

• Manage departmental resources, including purchasing consumables and evaluating new equipment.

• Compile accurate raw material files and key technical documentation.

• Prepare and present monthly statistical and performance reports to the Head of R&D.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field.

• Coschem Diploma / Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation, with a postgraduate qualification in Project Management.

• Minimum 6–8 years in a cosmetics R&D environment, with at least 5 years in an R&D managerial role.

• Strong technical expertise in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

• Proven project management track record, delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills.

• Strong regulatory knowledge and understanding of product compliance.

• BSc Hons in Microbiology
• Sound Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Good Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to work Collaboratively in a Cross-Functional Team Environment
• Highly Organized, Detail-Oriented, and able to Manage Multiple Tasks and Prioritize
• Knowledge in Microbial Phosphate Solubilisation will be very beneficial.

Reference: PE -JD-1

The hiring organisation is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent. Their vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities.

This position of Manager: Research, Development and Monitoring is based in Port Elizabeth, and is offered on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract basis. He/she is answerable to the Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes.

S/he will ensure that sound research interventions underpin the design of all marine conservation interventions (training, skills transfer, capacity building, community upliftment, and enterprise development) and that the research outcomes directly inform all organisational strategic guidance and advice given (at both a national and regional scale) to support sustainable waste management. Lastly, s/he will be responsible for impact reporting within the organisation through the design of a robust organisational monitoring and evaluation framework.

This exciting programme has both a local focus and a national and regional focus across Africa.

• Coordinate research activities and build the organisational capacity on research techniques and methods (qualitative, quantitative, policy, etc.).
• Initiate, coordinate, and assist all activities across identified research projects as aligned with the organisational Theory of Change and strategy.
• Initiate, coordinate, and maintain effective relationships with identified researchers and research influencers.
• Assist and control the quality of all research projects across portfolios of work, including but not limited to research designs, methods, data management strategies, data analysis, and publication writing.
• Organise knowledge and skills sharing to increase organisational research capacity.
• Guide the design of all interventions to achieve organisational marine pollution, blue economy and ocean conservation objectives.
• Ensure all research activities align with international best practice with regards to research ethics and principles.
• Manage the finances of every aspect of the Research, Development and Monitoring Impact Portfolio, including preparing budgets and financial reporting, managing the training budget and monitoring monthly expenditure reports.
• Drive and oversee the development and update of NPO’s internal organisational Monitoring and Evaluation systems, analysing data and providing reporting as required to various stakeholders, including assisting other roles in the organisation with such.
• Work with other impact portfolios to ensure interventions are rolled out and reported on correctly.

At least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
At least seven (7) years’ proven experience in an appropriate discipline, and at least three (3) of these in a management role.
A proven successful track record in leading research teams and pioneering new research methods.
A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports, and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
Competence in statistics and at least a working knowledge of modelling and Artificial Intelligence.
Proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans.
Ability to successfully work with and lead a team.
Valid driver’s license essential. Must be comfortable driving alone.
SA Citizen with a clean criminal record.

Has a passion for the sustainability agenda.
Is well organised and proactive.
Able to stay well-informed on the latest global developments on plastics (e.g. the Global Plastics Treaty), climate change, marine conservation, and education.
Has an excellent understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies.
Displays excellence in public speaking, presenting research plans and results.
Displays high attention to detail.

Location: Port Elizabeth - 100% in office.
Duration: Full-time 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to renew for an additional 3 years.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Market related. No benefits.

Short listed candidates may be expected to complete and pass assessments before moving to the next stage of the recruitment process.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your CV, please deem your application as unsuccessful.

The hiring organisation is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent. Their vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities.

This position of Manager: Research, Development and Monitoring is based in Port Elizabeth, and is offered on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract basis. He/she is answerable to the Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes.

S/he will ensure that sound research interventions underpin the design of all marine conservation interventions (training, skills transfer, capacity building, community upliftment, and enterprise development) and that the research outcomes directly inform all organisational strategic guidance and advice given (at both a national and regional scale) to support sustainable waste management. Lastly, s/he will be responsible for impact reporting within the organisation through the design of a robust organisational monitoring and evaluation framework.

• Coordinate research activities and build the organisational capacity on research techniques and methods (qualitative, quantitative, policy, etc.).
• Initiate, coordinate, and assist all activities across identified research projects as aligned with the organisational Theory of Change and strategy.
• Initiate, coordinate, and maintain effective relationships with identified researchers and research influencers.
• Assist and control the quality of all research projects across portfolios of work, including but not limited to research designs, methods, data management strategies, data analysis, and publication writing.
• Organise knowledge and skills sharing to increase organisational research capacity.
• Guide the design of all interventions to achieve organisational marine pollution, blue economy and ocean conservation objectives.
• Ensure all research activities align with international best practice with regards to research ethics and principles.
• Manage the finances of every aspect of the Research, Development and Monitoring Impact Portfolio, including preparing budgets and financial reporting, managing the training budget and monitoring monthly expenditure reports.
• Drive and oversee the development and update of NPO’s internal organisational Monitoring and Evaluation systems, analysing data and providing reporting as required to various stakeholders, including assisting other roles in the organisation with such.
• Work with other impact portfolios to ensure interventions are rolled out and reported on correctly.

• At least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
• At least seven (7) years’ proven experience in an appropriate discipline, and at least three (3) of these in a management role.
• A proven successful track record in leading research teams and pioneering new research methods.
• A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports, and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
• Competence in statistics and at least a working knowledge of modelling and Artificial Intelligence.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Ability to successfully work with and lead a team.
• Valid driver’s license essential. Must be comfortable driving alone.
• SA Citizen with a clean criminal record.

• Has a passion for the sustainability agenda.
• Is well organised and proactive.
• Able to stay well-informed on the latest global developments on plastics (e.g. the Global Plastics Treaty), climate change, marine conservation, and education.
• Has an excellent understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Displays excellence in public speaking, presenting research plans and results.
• Displays high attention to detail.

Location: Port Elizabeth - 100% in office.
Duration: Full-time 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to renew for an additional 3 years.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Market related. No benefits.

The Tiger Brands Future Leaders Development Programme is a 24-month enhanced development programme designed to recruit bachelor’s degree or BTech graduates who demonstrate the potential to reach leadership positions in the organisation. FLDPs are selected to join various disciplines across our business and are taken through a structured combined learning programme intended to prepare them for key roles within the organisation. Opportunities are available for graduates in Engineering, Marketing, Finance (CA SA stream), Supply Chain, IT and related fields.

Successful applicants should have a desire to build a career with a leading FMCG company, have a sound academic record at an accredited institution and recently have completed their 3rd or 4th year tertiary qualification. Future Leaders must have displayed the potential for high achievement and innovation throughout their qualification, have not worked full time (for more than 1 year, not including workplace experience) in their field of study, must be computer literate in MS Word and Excel and have a valid driver’s license.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

The type of qualifications that are viewed favorably to enter the graduate programme include:

• All qualifications related to: Research & Development - National Diploma, BSc, BTech in Food Science, Food Technology Biochemistry or Chemistry

• 65% Academic Average
• Citizen in the country of hire
• A relevant bachelor’s degree
• High levels of ambition and self-motivation, supported by a strong desire for a career in FMCG, within Tiger Brands
• Leadership and team working capabilities
• Must have displayed the potential for high achievement and innovation throughout their qualification
• Have not worked full time (more than 1 year, not including workplace experience) in their field of study
• Recent graduate from a tertiary institution in South Africa
• Work authorization in the country for which application is being submitted
• Geographical mobility – you will move to different locations throughout the training programme and you will need to relocate
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• CV
• Matric Certificate
• ID
• Academic Transcripts
• Must have a valid driver’s license

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.