Principal Materials Scientist

Placements24; Randburg; Ibrido; ZAR 2.000.000 - 3.000.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Professional development and attending

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist for Randburg, Gauteng. The role blends on-site laboratory work with remote analysis, guiding the development of novel materials for aerospace, electronics and energy.

The successful candidate leads experimental design, supervises cross-functional teams, advances publications and patents, and manages project budgets within a hybrid work environment.

Competenze

• Ph.D. required in materials science, chemical engineering, physics or chemistry.
• 9+ years of progressive materials R&D experience with leadership.
• Proven expertise in synthesis, characterization and performance evaluation of advanced materials.

Mansioni

• Lead R&D of new materials with tailored properties for applications.
• Design and conduct synthesis, processing and characterization experiments (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy).
• Mentor junior scientists and manage cross-functional teams.

Conoscenze

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Formazione

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Strumenti

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Mechanical testing

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced materials research and development, is seeking a highly innovative Principal Materials Scientist to join their team in Randburg , Gauteng. This role will involve leading projects focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials for various high-tech industries, including aerospace, electronics, and energy. You will be responsible for driving research initiatives, developing new material formulations, and guiding the scale-up of promising technologies. This is a hybrid position, offering a balance between on-site laboratory work in Randburg and remote research and analysis. We are looking for a visionary scientist with a strong publication record and a proven ability to translate fundamental research into practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new materials with tailored properties for specific applications.
• Design and conduct experiments for material synthesis, processing, and characterization using advanced techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, mechanical testing).
• Analyze and interpret complex material data to understand structure-property relationships.
• Develop and optimize material processing methods for laboratory and pilot-scale production.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to integrate new materials into next-generation products.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technicians in the laboratory.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and related fields.
• Author high-impact publications, present findings at conferences, and contribute to patent applications.
• Manage research projects, including budget planning, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in materials research and development, with a focus on leading projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials).
• Proficiency with a wide range of materials characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of materials physics, chemistry, and engineering principles.
• Proven track record of innovation, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, managing both on-site lab work and remote responsibilities.
• Experience in project management and leading cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a performance bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and specialized training, are readily available. The hybrid work model in Randburg allows for a flexible work-life balance. Join a cutting-edge research team and contribute to the development of transformative materials.