Principal Materials Scientist: Lead Materials Innovation

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

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.