Lead Nanomaterials Engineer - Biomedical Applications

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Lead Nanomaterials Engineer in Cape Town to spearhead R&D in nanomaterials for biomedical applications. You will lead a talented team from concept to prototype, guiding synthesis, characterization, and collaboration with clinicians and scientists.

You will drive innovative projects, establish QC procedures, and contribute to IP while staying abreast of the latest advances in nanomaterials and biomedical engineering. A remarkable leadership opportunity awaits.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years in nanomaterials R&D with biomedical focus.
• Proven leadership of research teams and complex projects.
• Knowledge of nanomaterial synthesis techniques: CVD, sol-gel, self-assembly.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of advanced nanomaterials for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Oversee synthesis, fabrication and scale-up with quality control.
• Direct characterization using electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface analysis.
• Mentor engineers and scientists, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborate with biologists, chemists and clinicians to define goals.
• Implement robust quality procedures for nanomaterial production.
• Contribute to IP via invention disclosures and patents.
• Stay updated on advances in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team mentoring

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Biomedical understanding

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science/ Chemical Engineering/ Biomedical Engineering

Tools

CVD

sol-gel

self-assembly

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Nanomaterials Engineer to spearhead innovative research and development in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior position is crucial for driving the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel nanomaterials with a focus on groundbreaking biomedical applications. You will lead a team of talented researchers and engineers, guiding projects from conceptualization through to prototype development. This role demands a blend of deep technical expertise in nanomaterial science, exceptional leadership qualities, and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into tangible solutions for healthcare challenges. The position is based in our state-of-the-art research facility in Cape Town , fostering a hands‑on, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of advanced nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical applications.
• Oversee the synthesis, fabrication, and scale-up of nanomaterials, ensuring quality and reproducibility.
• Direct the characterization of nanomaterials using advanced techniques (e.g., electron microscopy, spectroscopy, surface analysis).
• Manage and mentor a team of engineers and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including biologists, chemists, and clinicians, to define project goals and ensure alignment.
• Develop and implement rigorous quality control procedures for nanomaterial production.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedical engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in nanomaterials research and development, with a significant portion focused on biomedical applications.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research teams and managing complex R&D projects.
• In-depth knowledge of various nanomaterial synthesis techniques (e.g., CVD, sol-gel, self-assembly).
• Proficiency in nanomaterial characterization methods and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of biological systems and their interaction with nanomaterials.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.
• Experience with regulatory affairs relevant to biomedical devices or therapeutics is a plus.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a generous salary, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, and a substantial performance bonus structure. Employees also benefit from a company-sponsored retirement fund, extensive professional development opportunities, and paid time off. Our client invests in employee well-being, offering access to on-site wellness programs and promoting a healthy work-life balance. The opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare through pioneering work in nanomaterials makes this a truly unique career path in Cape Town .