Lead Materials Scientist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development budget

Fully remote setup with equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Materials Scientist to spearhead innovative research and development initiatives in a fully remote capacity. This senior role focuses on discovering, designing, and characterizing novel materials that will drive the next generation of products and technologies, while guiding a dedicated team of scientists from any location.

You will translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying at the

Qualifications

• PhD required with 8+ years in materials R&D.
• Experience leading research projects and teams.
• Strong publication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D of new materials from concept to prototype.
• Mentor a team of materials scientists and technicians.
• Oversee material characterization and performance testing with advanced techniques.
• Collaborate with product development, engineering and manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Scientific communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related)

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a visionary Lead Materials Scientist to spearhead innovative research and development initiatives in a fully remote capacity. This senior role is focused on discovering, designing, and characterizing novel materials that will drive the next generation of products and technologies. You will lead a dedicated team of scientists, foster a culture of innovation, and work collaboratively with cross-functional groups to translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible solutions. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of materials science from the comfort of your home office, contributing to high-impact projects with global reach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new materials, from conceptualization through to prototype testing.
• Manage and mentor a team of materials scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Oversee the characterization and performance testing of novel materials using advanced analytical techniques.
• Collaborate closely with product development, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of new materials.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in materials research and development, with a proven track record of innovation.
• Extensive experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy).
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing research projects and teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex technical information remotely.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive-level compensation package including base salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant professional development budget and opportunities for conference participation.
• Fully remote work setup with provided equipment and home office support.
• A dynamic and forward-thinking company culture focused on innovation and scientific excellence.