Principal Research Scientist - Nanotechnology

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus structure

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead a Nanotechnology research group in Sandton. You will define strategy, mentor scientists, and drive discovery of novel nanomaterials for electronics, medicine, and energy.

You will secure external funding, manage budgets, and collaborate across disciplines, while translating research into impactful technologies and publishing findings at international forums.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a track record in nanotechnology research.
• 10+ years of progressive research experience in nanotechnology.
• Expertise in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization (TEM/SEM/AFM/XRD).
• Proven ability to secure external funding and manage budgets.
• Strong leadership and multidisciplinary team experience.

Responsibilities

• Set the research strategy and lead nanotechnology programs.
• Design experiments for synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials.
• Mentor scientists and technicians; foster collaboration and high performance.
• Secure funding through grants and partnerships.
• Translate findings into potential technologies and products.
• Publish in leading journals and present at international conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team mentoring

Communication

Presentation

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in Nanotechnology or related field

Tools

TEM

SEM

AFM

XRD

Device fabrication

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and highly experienced Principal Research Scientist to lead their cutting-edge Nanotechnology research group in Sandton . This senior role is pivotal in driving the discovery and development of novel nanomaterials and their applications across various industries, including electronics, medicine, and energy. The Principal Research Scientist will define research strategies, manage complex projects, mentor a team of scientists, and foster collaborations to advance the field. You will operate within a forward-thinking environment that values scientific rigor, creativity, and the translation of groundbreaking research into impactful technologies, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of research projects in nanotechnology and advanced materials.
• Design and conduct experiments for the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials.
• Supervise and mentor a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Secure research funding through grant applications and build strategic partnerships.
• Translate fundamental research findings into potential technological applications and product development.
• Publish research in leading scientific journals and present findings at international forums.

Requirements

• PhD in Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience in nanotechnology, with a proven track record of innovation and leadership.
• Extensive expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization (e.g., TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD), and device fabrication.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding and manage research budgets effectively.
• Strong project management skills and experience leading multidisciplinary research teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• An exceptional salary and bonus structure, commensurate with leadership and expertise.
• The opportunity to shape the future of nanotechnology and lead groundbreaking scientific initiatives.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and long-term disability benefits.
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance and sabbaticals.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure and collaborative opportunities.