Senior Materials Scientist: Advanced Materials Innovator

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & conferences

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist (Advanced Ceramics) to lead R&D on oxide, nitride, and carbide ceramics in Vereeniging. You will design synthesis routes, process materials, and perform comprehensive characterization to understand performance limits.

The role requires a PhD plus at least 6 years of relevant experience, with hands-on ceramic processing and advanced characterization. This hybrid position offers opportunities to translate lab findings into manufacturable

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, or related field focusing on ceramics.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industrial or academic research in advanced ceramics.
• Proven expertise in ceramic processing techniques (powder synthesis, pressing, injection molding, tape casting) and sintering.
• Hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization equipment.
• Strong thermodynamics, kinetics, and phase transformation knowledge in ceramic systems.
• Experience developing materials for demanding applications (high temperature, wear resistance, electrical insulation).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of advanced ceramic materials (oxides, nitrides, carbides).
• Design experiments for synthesis, forming, sintering, and surface modification.
• Utilize SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, mechanical testing, and thermal analysis to evaluate properties.
• Investigate structure-property relationships and optimize processing parameters.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define material requirements.
• Scale up laboratory processes to pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; contribute to reports and patents.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance in lab and pilot plant.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science or Ceramic Engineering

Tools

Powder synthesis

Pressing

Injection molding

Tape casting

Job description

Senior Materials Scientist - Advanced Ceramics

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.