Senior Materials Scientist - Energy Storage

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

R&D budget

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D on next-generation energy storage materials in Upington, Northern Cape. You will guide lab-scale development to pilot production, apply advanced characterization techniques, and publish findings.

Requirements include a PhD in materials/chemistry/physics or related field, 7+ years of post-doctoral experience in electrochemical energy storage, and a strong publication record. A hybrid work arrangement is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field.
• Post-doctoral research in materials science for energy storage is essential.
• Experience with battery materials and characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead research into novel materials for energy storage devices.
• Design and synthesize electrode and electrolyte materials.
• Characterize materials using XRD/SEM/TEM/XPS and electrochemical testing.
• Develop fabrication processes for energy storage components.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage projects.

Skills

Battery materials

Electrochemical energy storage

Material characterization

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

XPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm in the energy sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Materials Scientist specializing in energy storage solutions. This role, based in Upington, Northern Cape, will be at the forefront of developing next-generation battery technologies and materials. You will lead research initiatives, conduct advanced material characterization, and drive the innovation process from lab-scale development to pilot production. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field, coupled with extensive experience in battery materials, electrochemical energy storage, and solid-state physics. This position offers a stimulating research environment with a hybrid work arrangement, fostering collaboration and independent research within the Upington facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research into novel materials for advanced energy storage devices (e.g., Li-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, supercapacitors).


• Design and synthesize new electrode and electrolyte materials.


• Perform advanced material characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and electrochemical testing.


• Develop and optimize fabrication processes for energy storage components.


• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and develop theoretical models.


• Manage research projects, including planning, budgeting, and reporting.


• Collaborate with engineering teams for scaling up material synthesis and device fabrication.


• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.


• Mentor junior scientists and technicians within the R&D team.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in materials science and energy storage.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a strong focus on electrochemical energy storage.


• Proven expertise in battery materials (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes).


• Extensive experience with material characterization techniques relevant to energy storage.


• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and secure funding.


• Strong publication record and experience presenting at scientific conferences.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.


• Experience with pilot-scale material synthesis and device testing is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for research grants and bonuses.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.


• Generous research and development budget.


• Opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and further specialization.


• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates moving to Upington, Northern Cape.


• Be part of pioneering research shaping the future of energy.