Principal Materials Scientist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Relocation package

International travel

Professional memberships

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Materials Scientist in Durban to lead research initiatives across nanotechnology, composites, polymers and advanced alloys. You will design, synthesize, characterize and apply novel materials with tailored properties for demanding environments.

The role requires mentoring a team of scientists and collaborating with industrial partners to translate discoveries into commercial products.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience in materials science.
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Proven track record of leadership and delivering research projects.
• Deep understanding of material structure-property relationships.
• Publications in high-impact journals.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a research team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on development of novel materials.
• Design experiments for synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Utilize a wide range of characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, spectroscopy).
• Develop theoretical models to predict material properties and performance.
• Oversee scaling-up of production processes from lab to pilot scale.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate materials into applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technical staff.
• Publish findings in leading journals and present at international conferences.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Identify and pursue new research opportunities and funding sources.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Publications

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Tools

DFT

Molecular dynamics

SEM/TEM/XRD/XPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a world-renowned leader in advanced materials research and development, driving innovation across multiple industries. We are seeking a highly accomplished Principal Materials Scientist to spearhead our research initiatives in Durban . This critical role involves leading the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials with tailored properties for demanding environments. You will be instrumental in exploring new frontiers in areas such as nanotechnology, composites, polymers, and advanced alloys. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the strategic direction of materials science research, mentor a team of talented scientists, and collaborate with leading industrial partners. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of material behavior at the atomic and molecular levels, coupled with a proven ability to translate fundamental discoveries into commercially viable products. We are looking for an individual with a strong publication record, extensive experience in materials characterization techniques, and a passion for solving complex scientific challenges. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining our position at the vanguard of materials innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on the development of novel materials.
• Design experiments for synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Utilize a wide range of materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, spectroscopy).
• Develop theoretical models to predict material properties and performance.
• Oversee the scaling-up of material production processes from lab to pilot scale.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to integrate new materials into applications.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technical staff.
• Publish research findings in leading scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Identify and pursue new research opportunities and funding sources.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience in materials science.
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Proven track record of successful research project leadership and delivery.
• Deep understanding of material structure-property relationships.
• Experience in computational materials science (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics) is a plus.
• Strong publication record in high-impact journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superb communication and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a research team.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive global health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous vacation and paid time off.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and international travel.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Pension scheme with company contributions.
• Relocation package for qualified candidates.
• Innovation awards and recognition programs.
• On‑site amenities and wellness programs.
• Company-sponsored professional memberships and conference attendance.