Senior Materials Scientist

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D in advanced materials at our Upington site. You will design, synthesize, process, and characterize new materials, working across cross-functional teams to drive application and IP opportunities.

You will mentor juniors, guide projects, and stay current with trends in materials science, applying techniques from SEM/TEM to XRD/XPS and DSC/TGA in a hybrid work model with on-site lab activity.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Ceramics or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial experience in materials R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis, processing and characterization of advanced materials.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; proven leadership in projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on synthesis, processing and characterization of advanced materials.
• Design experiments to explore structure–property relationships in new materials.
• Use microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
• Interpret data and translate results into material solutions and IP opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to implement material solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team expertise.

Skills

Synthesis & Processing

Materials Characterization

Data Analysis

Project Leadership

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced materials innovation, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Materials Scientist to join their dynamic R&D team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is crucial for the design, development, characterization, and application of novel materials across various industries. The successful candidate will lead research projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the intellectual property portfolio of the company. This position requires a deep understanding of materials science principles, experimental design, and advanced characterization techniques. The role utilizes a hybrid work model, offering flexibility in remote work while requiring on-site presence for laboratory activities and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Design and execute experiments to explore structure-property relationships in new materials.
• Utilize a range of characterization techniques, including microscopy (SEM, TEM), spectroscopy (XRD, XPS), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), and mechanical testing.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for further development.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to identify and implement material solutions.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property through patent applications and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall technical expertise of the team.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in materials science and relevant application fields.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Ceramics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial experience in materials R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Proficiency with a variety of materials characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present technical information.
• Experience in leading research projects and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, a retirement fund, and generous paid time off. We are committed to employee growth and provide excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement. This hybrid role, based in **Upington, Northern Cape**, provides a stimulating and rewarding career path at the forefront of materials innovation.