Research Scientist - Materials Science

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Flexible working hours

State-of-the-art facilities

Career training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Research Scientist in Durban for a hybrid role combining in-office collaboration with remote work. You will design, synthesize, characterize, and test novel materials and develop models to guide experiments, accelerating technology development.

Collaborating with engineering, you will translate discoveries into practical prototypes while leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in a materials science related field is required.
• Experience in synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.
• Background in solid-state physics, polymers, or nanotechnology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new materials and nanomaterials.
• Perform mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing using advanced tools.
• Develop models to understand material behavior and guide experiments.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate research into prototypes.
• Document progress and contribute to patents and reports.

Skills

Material synthesis

Characterization techniques

Computational modeling

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Physics

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated Research Scientist with a specialization in Materials Science to join their innovative team in Durban . This hybrid role offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute to advanced material development. You will be involved in the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel materials for a variety of applications. Your work will directly impact the development of next-generation technologies, contributing to a dynamic research environment that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and practical application of scientific principles within a well-established research institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize new materials, including polymers, composites, and nanomaterials.
• Perform rigorous testing and analysis of material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical) using advanced instrumentation.
• Develop theoretical models to understand material behavior and guide experimental design.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate material innovations into viable product prototypes.
• Document research progress, prepare technical reports, and contribute to patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science , Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in material synthesis, characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy), and mechanical testing.
• Strong understanding of solid-state physics, polymer chemistry, or nanotechnology.
• Familiarity with computational modeling tools for materials simulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional training.