Research Scientist - Advanced Materials (In-Office)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development opportunities

Competitive contract rate

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, invites applications for a Research Scientist to advance materials discovery and applications in an industrial R&D setting. You will lead experiments from design to data reporting, collaborating with engineers to integrate new materials into products.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics with 3+ years of hands-on synthesis and characterization.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on research experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Proficiency with material characterization techniques and equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research into synthesis, processing, and characterization of novel materials.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate material properties under various conditions.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) for material analysis.
• Interpret data and draw conclusions on material behavior and potential applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to integrate new materials into products.
• Prepare technical reports, papers, and presentations of findings.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Stay updated on advancements in materials science.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading industrial research and development laboratory, is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to focus on the discovery and application of advanced materials. This is a demanding, in-office position located in Klerksdorp, North West, where you will conduct cutting-edge research in materials science, contributing to the development of next‑generation products. You will be involved in all phases of the research lifecycle, from conceptualization and experimental design to data analysis and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemistry, physics, or materials science, with hands‑on experience in synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel materials. This role is perfect for an individual who thrives in a lab environment and is passionate about driving innovation through material discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research into the synthesis, processing, and characterization of novel materials.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate material properties and performance under various conditions.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) for material analysis.
• Interpret experimental data and draw meaningful conclusions regarding material behavior and potential applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to integrate new materials into existing or new product lines.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research papers, and presentations of findings.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and related fields.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on research experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Proficiency in using various material characterization techniques and equipment.
• Strong understanding of solid‑state physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics as they relate to materials.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative laboratory setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presentations.
• Prior experience or familiarity with the industrial research landscape in Klerksdorp, North West is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contract rate commensurate with experience and a dynamic research environment.
• You will have access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects.
• Professional development opportunities, including internal workshops and potential for external training, are available.
• This role offers a unique chance to contribute significantly to materials science innovation within a dedicated research setting.