Lead Nanotechnology Engineer - Materials Innovation

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development funding

Relocation assistance

Flexible working arrangements

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Nanotechnology Engineer to drive the development and application of advanced nanomaterials at its Mahikeng facility. You will lead a multidisciplinary team through synthesis, characterization, and device integration, shaping research directions and translating discoveries into impactful technologies.

The role demands a PhD with nanotech specialization and 8+ years of experience, proven leadership, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with nanotechnology specialization.
• 8+ years post-doctoral or industry research experience in nanotechnology and nanomaterials development.
• Proven track record of leading research projects, securing funding, and publishing in high-impact journals.
• Hands-on experience with synthesis techniques (CVD, PVD, sol-gel, top-down fabrication) and advanced characterization methods for nanomaterials.
• Deep understanding of nanoscale physics, chemistry and engineering principles.
• Ability to design and execute complex experiments and analyze results effectively.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• IP development and commercialization experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with microfabrication techniques is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on advanced nanomaterials development and applications.
• Mentor a team of scientists and engineers in design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoscale materials.
• Develop novel fabrication techniques for high-quality nanomaterials with tailored properties.
• Utilize TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS to analyze structure, composition, and properties.
• Explore and validate applications in electronics, energy, medicine, and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate nanomaterials into devices.
• Publish high-impact research and present at international conferences; contribute to patents.
• Assist in securing research grants and funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety and best practices in nanomaterial handling.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative nanotechnology division.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team collaboration

Communication skills

IP development experience

Education

PhD in a related field with nanotechnology specialization

Tools

TEM

SEM

AFM

XRD

XPS

CVD

PVD

sol-gel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazing research institution at the forefront of advanced materials science, is seeking an exceptional Lead Nanotechnology Engineer to drive innovation in their state-of-the-art facility in Mahikeng, North West . This senior position involves leading a team of researchers and engineers in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel nanomaterials for a diverse range of cutting-edge industries. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing new research directions, securing funding, and translating laboratory discoveries into impactful technological advancements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of nanotechnology from a hub of innovation in Mahikeng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on the development and application of advanced nanomaterials.
• Supervise and mentor a team of scientists and engineers in the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoscale materials.
• Develop novel fabrication techniques and processes for producing high-quality nanomaterials with tailored properties.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools (e.g., TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS) to analyze material structure, composition, and properties at the nanoscale.
• Explore and validate the application of synthesized nanomaterials in diverse fields such as electronics, energy, medicine, and advanced manufacturing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate nanomaterials into functional devices and systems.
• Author high-impact research publications, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to patent applications.
• Contribute to securing research grants and funding opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices in nanomaterial handling.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment within the nanotechnology division.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a strong specialization in Nanotechnology.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in nanotechnology and nanomaterials development.
• Proven track record of leading research projects, securing funding, and publishing in high-impact scientific journals.
• Extensive hands-on experience with synthesis techniques (e.g., CVD, PVD, sol-gel, top-down fabrication) and advanced characterization methods for nanomaterials.
• Deep understanding of the physics, chemistry, and engineering principles governing nanoscale phenomena.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex research experiments and analyze results effectively.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience in intellectual property development and commercialization is a plus.
• Familiarity with microfabrication techniques is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a significant annual bonus reflecting individual and team achievements.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• We provide substantial support for professional development, including funding for conferences, workshops, and access to state-of-the‑art nanotechnology facilities.
• Join an innovative and collaborative team in Mahikeng, North West , working on the cutting edge of materials science.
• We offer flexible working arrangements and generous paid time off.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.