Senior Materials Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist for our Upington R&D team to lead design, development and characterization of advanced materials across industries. You will drive experiments, mentor researchers, and help build our IP portfolio.

The role requires a PhD, 6+ years of materials R&D experience, and a proven ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Hybrid work combines on-site lab work in Upington with remote coordination.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Ceramics or related field.
• 6+ years of post-doctoral or industrial materials R&D experience.
• Expertise in synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to present technical data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects focused on advanced materials synthesis, processing and characterization.
• Design experiments to study structure-property relationships in new materials.
• Utilize microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
• Analyze data, draw conclusions, and propose next steps.
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to implement material solutions.
• Contribute to IP through patents and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership

Team collaboration

Instrumentation proficiency

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

DSC

TGA

Mechanical testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in advanced materials innovation, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Materials Scientist to join their dynamic R&D team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is crucial for the design, development, characterization, and application of novel materials across various industries. The successful candidate will lead research projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the intellectual property portfolio of the company. This position requires a deep understanding of materials science principles, experimental design, and advanced characterization techniques. The role utilizes a hybrid work model, offering flexibility in remote work while requiring on-site presence for laboratory activities and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Design and execute experiments to explore structure-property relationships in new materials.
• Utilize a range of characterization techniques, including microscopy (SEM, TEM), spectroscopy (XRD, XPS), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), and mechanical testing.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for further development.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to identify and implement material solutions.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property through patent applications and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall technical expertise of the team.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in materials science and relevant application fields.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Ceramics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial experience in materials R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Proficiency with a variety of materials characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present technical information.
• Experience in leading research projects and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, a retirement fund, and generous paid time off. We are committed to employee growth and provide excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement. This hybrid role, based in **Upington, Northern Cape**, provides a stimulating and rewarding career path at the forefront of materials innovation.