Principal Research Scientist - Materials Science

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Industry-leading salary package

Comprehensive health and retirement

State-of-the-art facilities

Career growth and leadership

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to lead advanced Materials Science efforts in Richards Bay. You will drive R&D, mentor scientists, and contribute to the company's IP portfolio, focusing on materials with enhanced properties for industrial applications.

The role requires deep expertise in material characterization, synthesis, and performance testing, with a track record of translating breakthroughs into commercial products.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in materials development.
• Expertise in polymer science, ceramics, composites, or nanotechnology.
• Proficiency with advanced characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects and managing technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel materials focusing on strength, durability, and thermal resistance.
• Oversee design and execution of experimental plans for synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Utilize SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy to understand structure-property relationships.
• Mentor a team of scientists and technicians, fostering scientific rigor and innovation.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to transition materials to production.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

Research leadership

Material characterization

Publication track record

Mentoring & team guiding

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Research Scientist to join their advanced Materials Science department in Richards Bay . This senior role is critical for driving innovation in the development of new materials with enhanced properties for industrial applications. You will lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in material characterization, synthesis, and performance testing, coupled with a passion for translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible commercial products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel materials, focusing on properties such as strength, durability, and thermal resistance.
• Oversee the design and execution of experimental plans for material synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material structure-property relationships.
• Mentor and guide a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to ensure seamless transition of new materials into production.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in materials development .
• Expertise in polymer science, ceramics, composites, or nanotechnology.
• Proficiency with advanced characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and managing technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.

Benefits

• An industry-leading salary package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Richards Bay .
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.