Senior Ceramics Scientist - Advanced Materials Innovator (Hybrid)

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & conferences

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist (Advanced Ceramics) to lead R&D on oxide, nitride, and carbide ceramics in Vereeniging. You will design synthesis routes, process materials, and perform comprehensive characterization to understand performance limits.

The role requires a PhD plus at least 6 years of relevant experience, with hands-on ceramic processing and advanced characterization. This hybrid position offers opportunities to translate lab findings into manufacturable

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, or related field focusing on ceramics.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industrial or academic research in advanced ceramics.
• Proven expertise in ceramic processing techniques (powder synthesis, pressing, injection molding, tape casting) and sintering.
• Hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization equipment.
• Strong thermodynamics, kinetics, and phase transformation knowledge in ceramic systems.
• Experience developing materials for demanding applications (high temperature, wear resistance, electrical insulation).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of advanced ceramic materials (oxides, nitrides, carbides).
• Design experiments for synthesis, forming, sintering, and surface modification.
• Utilize SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, mechanical testing, and thermal analysis to evaluate properties.
• Investigate structure-property relationships and optimize processing parameters.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define material requirements.
• Scale up laboratory processes to pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; contribute to reports and patents.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in lab and pilot plant.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science or Ceramic Engineering

Tools

Powder synthesis

Pressing

Injection molding

Tape casting

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist (Advanced Ceramics) to lead R&D on oxide, nitride, and carbide ceramics in Vereeniging. You will design synthesis routes, process materials, and perform comprehensive characterization to understand performance limits.

The role requires a PhD plus at least 6 years of relevant experience, with hands-on ceramic processing and advanced characterization. This hybrid position offers opportunities to translate lab findings into manufacturable