Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Ceramics

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

About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Scientist with a specialization in Advanced Ceramics to join their dynamic research and development division in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This key role involves leading the development and optimization of novel ceramic materials for high-performance applications in aerospace, energy, and electronics. You will be responsible for designing synthesis routes, processing materials, and conducting comprehensive characterization to understand their unique properties and performance limits. The position requires a strong theoretical foundation in ceramic science, coupled with extensive practical experience in material processing and analysis. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate laboratory findings into manufacturable solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge materials innovation within a growing sector in **South Africa**, based at our **Vereeniging** facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of advanced ceramic materials, including oxides, nitrides, and carbides.
• Design and execute experiments for ceramic synthesis, forming, sintering, and surface modification.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, mechanical testing, thermal analysis) to evaluate material properties.
• Investigate structure-property relationships and optimize processing parameters to achieve desired material performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define material requirements and develop solutions for specific applications.
• Scale up laboratory processes to pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations within the laboratory and pilot plant.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in ceramic science and technology relevant to our **Gauteng** operations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field with a strong focus on ceramics.
• Minimum of 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).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage R&D projects and deliver results.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid research environment located in **Vereeniging**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment contributing to industry advancements.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Exciting projects in advanced materials innovation in **Gauteng**.