Principal Research Scientist - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 2,100,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Principal Research Scientist in Advanced Materials at our Kimberley, Northern Cape facility. You will lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel materials and oversee cross‑disciplinary teams of chemists, physicists, and engineers to translate discoveries into applications.

You will mentor scientists, publish groundbreaking research, and shape the long‑term R&D strategy, with a strong track record in materials characterization and

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics or related field required.
• Minimum of 8 years post‑doctoral research experience in advanced materials development.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing research projects and teams.
• Extensive knowledge of synthesis techniques (sol-gel, solid-state, thin-film deposition).
• Proven ability in materials characterization methods (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, AFM, FTIR, NMR).
• Strong publication record and grant acquisition experience.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and characterization of novel advanced materials.
• Develop new materials processing techniques and methodologies.
• Oversee application of advanced materials in energy, electronics, and structural components.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of material properties with advanced characterization tools.
• Mentor and guide a team of researchers and technicians.
• Publish high‑impact research and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to IP portfolio through invention disclosures and patents.
• Collaborate with universities and industry partners on joint projects.
• Define and execute long‑term research strategies and roadmaps.

Skills

Leadership

Publications

Grant acquisition

Communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

AFM

FTIR

NMR

Job description

About the Role Our client, a world-renowned research and development organization based in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**, is seeking a distinguished Principal Research Scientist specializing in Advanced Materials. This senior position is critical to driving forward-thinking research and innovation in novel material discovery, synthesis, and application. You will lead ambitious research projects, leveraging your deep expertise in material science, solid-state physics, and chemistry to push the boundaries of what's possible. The role involves close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including chemists, physicists, and engineers, to translate fundamental discoveries into practical solutions. You will be expected to mentor junior scientists, publish groundbreaking research, and contribute to the strategic direction of our R&D efforts. The ideal candidate possesses a strong publication record, extensive experience in materials characterization, and a proven ability to lead complex scientific endeavors. This opportunity is based at our cutting‑edge research facility in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel advanced materials.
• Direct the development of new materials processing techniques and methodologies.
• Oversee the application of advanced materials in diverse fields such as energy, electronics, and structural components.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of material properties using a range of sophisticated characterization tools (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction).
• Mentor and guide a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Publish high‑impact research in leading peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at international scientific conferences.
• Contribute significantly to the intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Collaborate with external academic institutions and industrial partners on joint research projects.
• Define and execute long‑term research strategies and project roadmaps.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of post‑doctoral research experience in advanced materials development.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing research projects and teams.
• Extensive knowledge of material synthesis techniques (e.g., sol‑gel, solid‑state, thin‑film deposition) and their underlying scientific principles.
• Expertise in a wide array of materials characterization methods (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, AFM, FTIR, NMR).
• Proven track record of high‑impact publications and successful grant acquisition.
• Strong understanding of structure‑property relationships in materials.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think critically and creatively to solve complex scientific challenges.
• Willingness to work full‑time at our facility in **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, significant research funding, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Employees have access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• We foster a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.
• This position is ideal for an experienced and visionary scientist looking to make a significant impact in the field of advanced materials.
• Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates moving to **Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA**.