Principal Materials Scientist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Paid annual leave

Performance-based incentives

Cutting-edge lab facilities

Professional development (conferences)

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Materials Scientist to lead R&D and drive next‑generation material innovations. You will mentor junior researchers, shape IP, and oversee complex projects in a hands‑on laboratory environment.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 10+ years of progressive materials science experience and a proven track record in leading projects, collaborating with engineering teams, and communicating intricate findings clearly.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience in materials science.
• Demonstrated expertise in a specific area of materials science (e.g., polymers, ceramics, composites, metals, nanomaterials).
• Proven ability to lead independent research projects from concept to completion.
• Extensive experience with a wide range of material characterization and analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and phase transformations in materials.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings effectively.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel materials with specific functional properties.
• Design and execute experiments for material synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Investigate material behavior under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material structure-property relationships.
• Develop and optimize material processing techniques to ensure scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate material innovations into commercial applications.
• Mentor and guide junior materials scientists and research assistants.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in materials science and related fields.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and technical forums.

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering leader in advanced materials research and development, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Materials Scientist to join their dynamic team in George . This role is central to driving innovation in the development of next-generation materials for a variety of high-tech applications. You will lead complex research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute significantly to the company's intellectual property portfolio. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of material properties, synthesis, characterization, and processing. This is a hands‑on role requiring significant laboratory work and a strong commitment to scientific rigor. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of material science, developing solutions that address critical industrial challenges. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence within a well‑equipped and supportive environment. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of materials technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel materials with specific functional properties.
• Design and execute experiments for material synthesis, characterization, and performance testing.
• Investigate material behavior under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material structure‑property relationships.
• Develop and optimize material processing techniques to ensure scalability and cost‑effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate material innovations into commercial applications.
• Mentor and guide junior materials scientists and research assistants.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in materials science and related fields.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and technical forums.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience in materials science.
• Demonstrated expertise in a specific area of materials science (e.g., polymers, ceramics, composites, metals, nanomaterials).
• Proven ability to lead independent research projects from concept to completion.
• Extensive experience with a wide range of material characterization and analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and phase transformations in materials.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings effectively.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, paid annual leave, and performance‑based incentives.
• Access to cutting‑edge laboratory facilities and equipment is guaranteed.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and workshops, are actively encouraged.
• The George location provides a high quality of life, combining professional challenges with natural beauty.
• Join a team at the forefront of materials innovation and make a significant impact.