Lead Materials Scientist - Advanced Composites

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Lab facilities

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Publish research

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Materials Scientist to head R&D in advanced composites and guide a multidisciplinary team. You will set research direction, drive innovations in material design, and oversee projects from concept to commercialization.

You will lead characterization, testing, and process optimization (RTM, autoclave, pultrusion) to ensure scalable manufacturing and market relevance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive research experience in composite materials development.
• Proven leadership experience managing scientific teams and R&D projects.
• In-depth knowledge of polymer chemistry, composite manufacturing processes (e.g., RTM, autoclave, pultrusion), and characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of material mechanics and failure analysis.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new materials from concept to commercialization.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of material behavior is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel composite materials, including fiber-reinforced polymers and nanocomposites.
• Oversee material characterization, testing, and failure analysis using advanced techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, DSC, TGA, mechanical testing).
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for composite materials, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with product development teams to integrate new materials into commercial applications.
• Manage a team of materials scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Author and review technical reports, patents, and publications.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements in materials science.
• Manage research project budgets and timelines effectively.
• Represent the company at technical conferences and industry forums.

Skills

Leadership experience

Polymer science

Composite materials development

Material characterization

SEM/TEM/DSC/TGA

Project management

Communication skills

Computational modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Materials Scientist to spearhead research and development initiatives in the field of advanced composites. This critical role is based at our cutting-edge research facility located in George, Western Cape . You will lead a team of talented scientists and engineers, driving innovation in material design, characterization, and application for demanding industries. This position offers the chance to make significant contributions to next-generation materials, influencing product development and market competitiveness. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting research direction, managing project pipelines, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence. We are looking for a visionary leader with a profound understanding of polymer science, composite manufacturing processes, and material failure analysis. Your expertise will be crucial in developing materials with superior mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of material science within a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel composite materials, including fiber-reinforced polymers and nanocomposites.
• Oversee material characterization, testing, and failure analysis using advanced techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, DSC, TGA, mechanical testing).
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for composite materials, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with product development teams to integrate new materials into commercial applications.
• Manage a team of materials scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Author and review technical reports, patents, and publications.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements in materials science.
• Manage research project budgets and timelines effectively.
• Represent the company at technical conferences and industry forums.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive research experience in composite materials development.
• Proven leadership experience managing scientific teams and R&D projects.
• In-depth knowledge of polymer chemistry, composite manufacturing (e.g., RTM, autoclave, pultrusion), and characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of material mechanics and failure analysis.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated success in bringing new materials from concept to commercialization.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of material behavior is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Significant annual leave allowance.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• A stimulating research environment with significant autonomy.
• Potential for international travel to conferences and collaborations.
• Support for publishing research findings.