Principal Scientist - Materials Science

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement

State-of-the-art facilities

Conference attendance

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Scientist in Materials Science to join our client’sCenturion research team. This senior role drives discovery, development, and characterization of novel materials with advanced properties for diverse applications.

You will mentor junior scientists, lead cross-disciplinary projects, and translate fundamental research into tangible technologies that strengthen our competitive edge in the global market.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of extensive research experience in materials science with focus on new material discovery and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques and equipment.
• Proven track record of leading complex R&D projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of new materials, focusing on polymers, composites, or advanced ceramics.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical).
• Develop novel synthesis and processing techniques for advanced materials.
• Utilise SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopy for in-depth analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to meet performance specs and manufacturability.
• Publish research findings and present at international conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Research leadership

Mentoring

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist in Materials Science to join their innovative research team in Centurion . This senior position will drive the discovery, development, and characterization of novel materials with advanced properties for diverse applications. You will lead ambitious research projects, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate across disciplines to translate fundamental research into tangible technological advancements. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of material behavior, characterization techniques, and a proven track record of scientific leadership and innovation. This role is central to our client's commitment to pioneering new material solutions and maintaining a competitive edge in the global market, offering a stimulating environment for a visionary materials scientist.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of new materials, focusing on polymers, composites, or advanced ceramics.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize material properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical performance.
• Develop novel synthesis and processing techniques for advanced materials.
• Utilise advanced characterization tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopy for in-depth material analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to ensure materials meet performance specifications and manufacturability requirements.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of extensive research experience in materials science , with a focus on new material discovery and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques and equipment.
• Proven track record of leading complex R&D projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Benefits

• An exceptionally competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• Support for attending major scientific conferences and publishing research.
• A dynamic, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plans.