Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist in Bloemfontein, Free State to advance the discovery, development and characterization of novel advanced materials. You will lead complex research programs and collaborate with engineering teams to translate innovations into real-world applications.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in Materials Science or related fields, 5+ years of post-doctoral or industrial experience, and fluency in design of experiments, data analysis and scientific

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field is required.
• 5+ years post-doctoral or industrial research in advanced materials.
• Proven experience with a range of materials characterization techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication with publications record.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, processing and characterization of new materials.
• Use SEM/TEM/XRD and spectroscopy to evaluate properties.
• Develop structure-property-performance relationships.
• Design experiments to optimize synthesis and processing.
• Collaborate with engineering/product teams to translate innovations.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to data analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, papers, and patent applications.
• Stay current on trends in materials science and related fields.

Skills

Analytical skills

Experimental design

Problem solving

Leadership

Written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Thermal analysis

Computational modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in scientific research and development, is seeking an accomplished Senior Materials Scientist to enhance their cutting-edge team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is instrumental in the discovery, development, and characterization of novel advanced materials for a wide range of applications. You will lead complex research projects, employ sophisticated characterization techniques, and contribute to the innovation pipeline that drives technological progress. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of material properties, synthesis, and performance, coupled with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and experimental design. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment located in Bloemfontein.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives focused on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of new materials.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis to evaluate material properties.
• Develop structure-property-performance relationships for novel materials.
• Design and conduct experiments to optimize material synthesis routes and processing parameters.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate material innovations into practical applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, providing guidance on experimental techniques and data analysis.
• Author technical reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in materials science and related fields.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in materials science, with a focus on advanced materials.
• Proven experience with a range of materials characterization techniques.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of materials structure, properties, and processing.
• Expertise in computational materials modeling is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of technical publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site laboratory work with remote collaboration in Bloemfontein.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Professional development is supported through funding for conferences, workshops, and continued education.
• Employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced analytical instrumentation.
• A collaborative and dynamic research atmosphere fosters innovation and growth.
• We offer generous annual leave and support for work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a leading scientific organization are abundant.
• Join us and contribute to pioneering materials research in Bloemfontein.