Principal Scientist: Materials & Nanotech Leader (Hybrid, Welkom)

Placements24; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health & retirement bene

Conference attendance & training

World-class research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead R&D in materials science and nanotechnology from our Welkom, Free State facility. The role combines hands-on materials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication with strategic leadership across projects and external collaborations.

You will mentor junior scientists, drive publication activity, and translate discoveries into market-ready technologies while maintaining rigorous safety and ethical research standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Nanotechnology, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience.
• Proven expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and processing.
• Experience leading independent research projects and managing science teams.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency with advanced characterization tools and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex research projects in materials science and nanotechnology.
• Develop novel materials and fabrication processes for emerging applications.
• Characterize material properties using advanced techniques (microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical testing).
• Oversee integration of new materials into prototype devices.
• Mentor and guide a team of scientists and engineers.
• Collaborate with product development and engineering teams for technology transfer.
• Author high-impact publications and present at international conferences.
• Manage project budgets and timelines.
• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and ethical research practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Nanomaterial synthesis

Research project management

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Physics / Nanotechnology

Tools

Electron microscopy

Spectroscopy

Mechanical testing

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead R&D in materials science and nanotechnology from our Welkom, Free State facility. The role combines hands-on materials synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication with strategic leadership across projects and external collaborations.

You will mentor junior scientists, drive publication activity, and translate discoveries into market-ready technologies while maintaining rigorous safety and ethical research standards.