Principal Materials Research Scientist (Hybrid)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Health insurance

Conference & training budget

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead advanced materials R&D, manage projects from concept to commercialization, and mentor a team of researchers at our state-of-the-art facility.

You will guide synthesis, characterization, and modeling efforts across aerospace, electronics, and energy applications, publish in top journals, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transfer technology.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8–10 years post-doctoral and leadership experience.
• Experience with advanced characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, XPS).
• Proven track record leading funded research projects.
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex research projects in materials science.
• Design experimental protocols for material synthesis, characterization, and testing.
• Analyze and interpret complex data, guiding future directions.
• Develop and optimize novel materials and processes for industrial applications.
• Author high-impact publications and present findings at conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative environment.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams for technology transfer.
• Manage research budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in materials science.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

AFM

XPS

Job description

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead advanced materials R&D, manage projects from concept to commercialization, and mentor a team of researchers at our state-of-the-art facility.

You will guide synthesis, characterization, and modeling efforts across aerospace, electronics, and energy applications, publish in top journals, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transfer technology.