Principal Scientist - Materials Science

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier compensation package

Fully remote work arrangement

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Scientist in Materials Science to lead advanced research initiatives from home. You will shape research directions, guide a global team, and drive innovation in materials development and processing.

The role emphasizes a strong publication record, strategic thinking, and outstanding communication for remote collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with 10+ years of R&D experience.
• Expertise in materials characterization and processing.
• Strong publication record and leadership in research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cutting-edge research projects in materials science, defining strategic directions.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to develop new materials.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate findings into applications.
• Publish high-impact papers and file patents when appropriate.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster remote collaboration and innovation.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Materials characterization

Research project management

Characterization techniques

Remote collaboration

Publications

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Thermal analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Principal Scientist with a distinguished background in Materials Science to lead their advanced research initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to shape research directions and collaborate with a global team of experts from the comfort of your home office. You will be at the forefront of developing novel materials and technologies, driving innovation from fundamental research to application-driven solutions. The ideal candidate possesses extensive scientific leadership experience, a deep understanding of materials characterization and processing, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cutting-edge research projects in materials science , defining strategic research directions.
• Conceptualize, design, and execute experiments to develop and characterize new materials.
• Utilize advanced analytical and characterization techniques to understand material properties and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering and product development, to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Author high-impact scientific publications, patent applications, and technical reports.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence in a remote setting.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science , Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in materials research and development, with a strong publication record.
• Expertise in materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, thermal analysis).
• Proven experience in leading research projects and managing scientific teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset for scientific innovation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, vital for effective remote collaboration.

Benefits

• Top-tier compensation package, including salary and bonus opportunities.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Generous allowance for professional development and conference attendance.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of materials science.