Senior Materials Scientist - Lead Next-Gen Materials

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Research facility access

Professional development support

Collaborative environment

Patent opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to join its R&D division in Centurion. You will lead the discovery, development, and characterization of advanced materials for next-generation technologies, translating innovations into tangible products.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with at least 6 years of research experience, specializing in synthesis, characterization, and structure-property relationships. Strong collaboration and communication are essential to drive projects forward.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in materials science.
• Proven expertise in material synthesis, characterization, and structure–property relationships.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical and testing equipment.
• Excellent communication and ability to lead research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel materials (polymers, composites, nanomaterials).
• Characterize material properties using SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy.
• Develop and optimize synthesis and processing methods.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate materials into designs.
• Conduct rigorous testing to validate performance, durability, and reliability.
• Author technical reports, papers, and patent applications; present findings.

Education

PhD in Materials Science/related

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to join its R&D division in Centurion. You will lead the discovery, development, and characterization of advanced materials for next-generation technologies, translating innovations into tangible products.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with at least 6 years of research experience, specializing in synthesis, characterization, and structure-property relationships. Strong collaboration and communication are essential to drive projects forward.