Principal Materials Scientist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical aid plan

Retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, invites a distinguished Principal Materials Scientist to lead cutting-edge projects at a state-of-the-art facility. The role demands strategic leadership in synthesis, characterization, and application across energy storage technologies.

You will mentor researchers, design innovative experiments, and collaborate with engineering teams to scale new materials. A PhD with 10+ years of experience is required, with strong communication and IP exposure

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related with synthesis/characterization focus.
• Minimum 10 years in materials R&D with proven leadership.
• Experience with polymers, ceramics, composites or nanomaterials.
• Hands-on with advanced characterization instrumentation.
• Strong structure-property understanding of material performance.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• IP development and commercialization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel materials for high-performance energy storage and conversion applications.
• Design and execute synthesis, processing and fabrication experiments.
• Utilize advanced characterization to analyze structure, composition and performance.
• Interpret data and translate findings into actionable research directions.
• Mentor and guide a team of researchers and technicians.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams for scale-up and integration.
• Manage research projects including budget, resources, and timelines.
• Publish high-impact papers, file patents, and report findings.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and in the community.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/ Chemistry/ Physics (or related)

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

AFM

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of advanced materials research and is actively seeking a distinguished Principal Materials Scientist to lead groundbreaking projects from their state-of-the-art facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This pivotal role is designed for an expert with a deep understanding of material properties, synthesis, characterization, and application, particularly within the energy sector. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, guide research initiatives, and contribute to the development of next-generation materials that address critical industrial challenges. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our material science endeavors, working collaboratively with a team of highly skilled researchers and engineers. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence material design and performance, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record of scientific leadership and a passion for translating fundamental research into tangible technological advancements. The work environment in Mossel Bay is supportive and encourages exploration and discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel materials for high-performance applications, focusing on energy storage and conversion technologies.
• Design and execute experiments for material synthesis, processing, and fabrication, optimizing for desired properties.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, AFM) to analyze material structure, composition, and performance.
• Interpret complex experimental data, draw meaningful conclusions, and translate findings into actionable research directions.
• Mentor and guide a team of materials scientists, post-doctoral researchers, and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and product development teams to ensure successful scale-up and integration of new materials.
• Manage research projects, including budget oversight, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Author high-impact publications, patent applications, and technical reports, representing the company's scientific achievements.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and engage with the wider materials science community.

Requirements

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline, with a strong focus on materials synthesis and characterization.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials research and development, with demonstrable leadership capabilities.
• Expertise in a broad range of materials, including but not limited to polymers, ceramics, composites, or nanomaterials.
• In-depth knowledge and hands‑on experience with advanced material characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and execute complex research projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships and their impact on material performance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring junior researchers and leading scientific teams.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with intellectual property development and commercialization is a plus.

Benefits

• a competitive salary
• a performance-driven bonus structure
• a comprehensive benefits package
• an excellent medical aid plan
• a robust retirement fund
• ample opportunities for continued professional growth and development, including attending international conferences
• relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Mossel Bay .