Senior Physicist - Advanced Materials Characterization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health & retirement benefits

Conference attendance funding

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Physicist to lead advanced materials characterization projects at our Upington facility. You will design and execute experiments using TEM, SEM, XRD, AFM, XPS, Raman and related techniques, interpreting data to reveal fundamental material properties.

The role requires a PhD with substantial hands-on experience, a solid theoretical background, and a track record of publications. You will mentor researchers and contribute to grant proposals and funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or closely related field with strong experimental condensed matter focus.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience.
• Hands-on experience with at least two advanced characterization techniques (e.g., TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, AFM).
• Strong theoretical background in solid-state physics or quantum mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on characterization of novel materials using advanced physics principles.
• Operate and maintain high-end characterization equipment (TEM, SEM, XRD, AFM, XPS, Raman).
• Develop new experimental methodologies and protocols for materials analysis.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data and large datasets.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to understand material behavior and properties.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant proposals.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

TEM

SEM

XRD

XPS

Raman

AFM

Origin

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious national research laboratory dedicated to pioneering advancements in materials science and physics. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Physicist to lead critical research initiatives in advanced materials characterization at our facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This role involves utilizing and developing state-of-the-art experimental techniques to probe the fundamental properties of novel materials, with applications spanning renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and fundamental scientific discovery. You will be responsible for designing complex experiments, operating sophisticated instrumentation, interpreting intricate data, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of condensed matter physics or a related field, combined with extensive hands-on experience in advanced experimental characterization. Contribute to groundbreaking research in the heart of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

Lead research projects focused on the characterization of novel materials using advanced physics principles. Operate and maintain sophisticated characterization equipment, such as high-resolution electron microscopes (TEM, SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and spectroscopic tools. Develop new experimental methodologies and protocols for materials analysis. Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, often involving large datasets. Collaborate with materials scientists, chemists, and engineers to understand material behavior and properties. Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the laboratory's scientific reputation. Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field with a strong focus on experimental condensed matter physics or materials characterization. Minimum of 7 years of relevant post-doctoral or industrial research experience. Extensive hands-on experience with at least two advanced characterization techniques (e.g., TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman Spectroscopy, AFM). Strong theoretical background in solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, or related areas. Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Origin, MATLAB) and experience with scripting for data processing is a plus. Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments. Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous approach to experimental work. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven track record of publications in reputable scientific journals.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional advancement. Employees have access to world-class research facilities and funding for professional development, including conference attendance. This position is based in Upington, Northern Cape , offering a unique environment for scientific exploration. Be part of a leading research institution contributing to fundamental scientific knowledge and technological innovation.