Senior Advanced Ceramics Scientist — Lead R&D Innovation

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer-contrib.

Professional development & conference

State-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Advanced Ceramics to join our R&D division in Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa. You will lead the development and optimization of ceramic materials for aerospace, energy, and electronics, designing synthesis routes, processing, and comprehensive characterization to understand properties and performance limits.

You will collaborate with engineering teams to translate lab findings into manufacturable solutions,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong focus on ceramics.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience in advanced ceramics.
• Proven expertise in ceramic processing techniques (e.g., powder synthesis, pressing, injection molding, tape casting) and sintering.
• Hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization equipment.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and phase transformations in ceramic systems.
• Experience in developing materials for demanding applications (e.g., high temperature, wear resistance, electrical insulation).
• Willingness to work in a hybrid research environment located in Vereeniging.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D of advanced ceramic materials across oxides, nitrides, and carbides.
• Design and execute synthesis, forming, sintering, and surface modification experiments.
• Utilize SEM/TEM/XRD/XPS and mechanical testing to evaluate properties.
• Investigate structure–property relationships to optimize processing parameters.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define material requirements and deliver solutions.
• Scale up lab processes to pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; contribute to reports and patents.
• Ensure safety protocols and regulatory compliance in lab and pilot plant.
• Stay updated with advances in ceramic science relevant to Gauteng operations.

Skills

Ceramic processing

Materials characterization

Thermodynamics & kinetics

Analytical thinking

Leadership & collaboration

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or Ceramic Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

Mechanical testing equipment

Job description

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Materials Scientist specializing in Advanced Ceramics to join our R&D division in Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa. You will lead the development and optimization of ceramic materials for aerospace, energy, and electronics, designing synthesis routes, processing, and comprehensive characterization to understand properties and performance limits.

You will collaborate with engineering teams to translate lab findings into manufacturable solutions,