Postdoctoral Fellow - Materials Science

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

Lab access

Travel for conferences

Collaborative environment

State-of-the-art equipment

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance a Materials Science research program focused on functional energy materials. You will design experiments, synthesize new materials and evaluate performance in a well-equipped lab.

The role involves collaboration with leading researchers, manuscript preparation for high-impact journals, and presenting at conferences. A PhD in a related field and hands-on lab experience are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in materials science, chemistry, physics, or related field.
• Proven experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Hands-on experience with SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and electrochemical testing.
• Strong understanding of material properties for energy applications (conductivity, catalysis).
• Excellent problem-solving skills; able to work independently and in a team.
• Able to communicate research findings effectively via reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel nanomaterials and composites.
• Conduct performance testing for energy storage and conversion.
• Use microscopy, spectroscopy and electrochemical methods for analysis.
• Design and optimize protocols to achieve target material properties.
• Analyze data and present findings clearly.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation for journals and conferences.

Skills

Materials synthesis

Materials characterization

Analytical skills

Independent researcher

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

FTIR

Electrochemical testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a dedicated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow to join their advanced Materials Science research group in Rustenburg . This position focuses on the development and characterization of novel functional materials for sustainable energy applications. You will play a key role in designing experiments, synthesizing new materials, and evaluating their performance under various conditions. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a well-equipped laboratory setting, working alongside leading experts in the field and contributing to the scientific advancement of materials science in North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize novel nanomaterials and composites using advanced chemical and physical methods.
• Conduct detailed performance testing and analysis of materials for energy storage and conversion applications.
• Utilize a range of characterization techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods.
• Design and optimize experimental protocols to achieve specific material properties and performance targets.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and present findings clearly and concisely.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation for publication in high-impact scientific journals and present at conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and electrochemical testing is essential.
• Strong understanding of material properties relevant to energy applications (e.g., conductivity, catalytic activity).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations.

Benefits

• Fixed-term contract with a competitive annual stipend.
• Opportunity to work with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and facilities in Rustenburg .
• Collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Travel allowance for scientific conferences and workshops.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy materials.