Principal Materials Scientist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Materials Scientist to lead research on synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials for industrial applications in Rustenburg. The role drives innovation and collaboration across engineering teams to translate discoveries into products.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 10+ years of materials R&D, expertise in polymers, ceramics, metals, or composites, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of materials R&D experience with a strong publication record.
• Expertise in polymers, ceramics, metals, or composites.
• Proficiency with advanced materials characterization instrumentation and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead research initiatives and manage technical projects.
• Strong understanding of material-structure-property relationships and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects focusing on synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Develop innovative material solutions to address engineering challenges and performance requirements.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques to understand material properties and behavior.
• Collaborate with product development teams to integrate new materials into manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and engineers in research methodologies.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

leadership

mentoring

problem solving

collaboration

communication

Education

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

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is recruiting a visionary Principal Materials Scientist to join their advanced research and development team in Rustenburg . This senior position involves leading the discovery, development, and characterization of novel materials for cutting-edge industrial applications. You will be at the forefront of material innovation, guiding research strategies and collaborating with engineering teams to translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible products. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in material science, exceptional problem-solving capabilities, and a proven ability to lead complex research projects, contributing to advancements in material technology within the North West province, fostering an environment of rigorous scientific inquiry and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects focusing on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Develop innovative material solutions to address complex engineering challenges and performance requirements.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material properties and behavior.
• Collaborate closely with product development teams to integrate new materials into manufacturing processes.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and engineers in material science research methodologies.
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in materials research and development, with a strong publication record.
• Expertise in a specific area of materials science such as polymers, ceramics, metals, or composites.
• Proficiency with advanced materials characterization instrumentation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated success in leading research initiatives and managing technical projects.
• Strong understanding of material-structure-property relationships and manufacturing processes.

Benefits

• Exceptional compensation package including base salary and significant performance incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, life, and disability insurance.
• Generous support for professional development, training, and conference participation.
• A leading-edge research environment in Rustenburg , focused on innovation.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.