Senior Materials Scientist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Professional development funding

Flexible work arrangements

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D on advanced materials at its Pietermaritzburg lab, with hybrid on-site and remote work. You will guide experiments, analyze data, and drive proposals from concept to application, collaborating with engineers, chemists, and physicists.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 5+ years in materials research, strong leadership, and a track record in materials synthesis, processing, and comprehensive characterization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in materials R&D.
• Expertise in synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, ceramics, composites, metals).

Responsabilités

• Lead R&D initiatives for novel materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Design and execute experiments to study properties, performance, and durability under varied conditions.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, spectroscopy) to analyze structure and composition.
• Develop processing methods to achieve targeted properties and scalability.
• Mentor junior scientists and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in advanced materials research and development, is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Materials Scientist to join their cutting-edge laboratory in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This role is critical for driving the discovery, characterization, and application of novel materials with enhanced properties for diverse industrial applications, including energy storage, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of materials science principles, extensive experience in materials characterization techniques, and a proven ability to lead complex research projects. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, chemists, and physicists to translate scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to significant technological advancements in a stimulating and resource-rich environment. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives for novel materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate material properties, performance, and durability under various conditions.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and spectroscopy to analyze material structure and composition.
• Develop and optimize processing methods to achieve desired material properties and scalability.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate new materials into product development cycles.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, generating comprehensive reports and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing guidance on experimental design and data analysis.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and related fields, identifying new research opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or equivalent industry experience in materials research and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics, composites, metals).
• Proficiency with a range of materials characterization instruments and techniques.
• Strong understanding of materials physics, chemistry, and engineering principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex research projects and lead technical teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.

This role requires a hybrid work arrangement, involving both on-site work in Pietermaritzburg and remote flexibility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan, encompassing health, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous retirement savings scheme with employer contributions is provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including funding for conferences, workshops, and continuing education, are readily available.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to Pietermaritzburg.
• We prioritize work-life balance, offering ample paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Our client provides a stimulating and collaborative research environment.