Senior Materials Scientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D projects in our advanced materials division. You will design, synthesize, characterize, and test novel materials for next-generation technologies, collaborating with engineers and scientists to translate research into practical solutions.

The ideal candidate has a PhD and 6+ years in materials R&D, extensive lab experience with characterization techniques, and strong communication and project-management skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in materials R&D.
• Extensive experience with materials characterization techniques and interpretation of results.
• Strong knowledge of materials synthesis and processing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and characterization of new materials (polymers, ceramics, composites).
• Design and execute experiments to study properties, performance, and processing techniques.
• Use SEM, TEM, XRD, and thermal analysis for material characterization.
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide design and optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate materials into product development.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Materials science

Synthesis methods

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Thermal analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Materials Scientist to lead critical research and development projects in their advanced materials division based in Nelspruit . This role involves the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel materials with unique properties. You will work collaboratively with engineers and other scientists to develop materials solutions for next-generation technologies. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of materials science principles, extensive hands-on laboratory experience, and a proven ability to translate research findings into practical applications. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in materials innovation within a dynamic and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, and characterization of new materials, including polymers, ceramics, or composites.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate material properties, performance, and processing techniques.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and thermal analysis to characterize materials.
• Develop structure-property relationships to guide material design and optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into product development cycles.
• Prepare technical reports, research proposals, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in materials research and development.
• Extensive experience with materials characterization techniques and interpretation of results.
• Strong knowledge of materials synthesis and processing methods.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Hybrid working arrangement to promote work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth, attending conferences, and further education.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment in Nelspruit .
• A collaborative and innovative research atmosphere.