Senior Materials Scientist - Nanotechnology

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Patent opportunities

Lab equipment access

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist with a nanotechnology focus to lead R&D in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel nanomaterials for diverse applications. You will work in a collaborative, lab-centric environment and drive advanced research initiatives.

The role requires a PhD and extensive hands-on experience with synthesis techniques and characterization tools, with a track record in nanomaterial development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field with nanotechnology focus.
• Minimum 6 years of R&D experience in materials science and nanomaterial development.
• Hands-on experience with synthesis techniques and advanced characterization tools.
• Strong understanding of nanoscale structure-property relationships.
• Excellent analytical and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and fabrication of novel nanomaterials with tailored properties.
• Perform advanced characterization of materials using techniques such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
• Develop and optimize synthesis protocols and processing methods for scalability and industrial application.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of material performance and failure modes, providing solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into tangible technological advancements.

Skills

Nanotechnology focus

Synthesis techniques

Materials science

Analytical skills

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science / Nanotechnology

Tools

SEM/TEM/XRD

Spectroscopy

Characterization techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Materials Scientist with expertise in Nanotechnology to join their state-of-the-art research facility in Pretoria . This critical role involves leading advanced research and development initiatives focused on designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel nanomaterials for diverse applications. You will work within a collaborative team environment, contributing significantly to groundbreaking discoveries and the development of next-generation technologies. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of materials science in a dynamic, lab‑centric setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and fabrication of novel nanomaterials with tailored properties.
• Perform advanced characterization of materials using techniques such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and X‑ray diffraction.
• Develop and optimize synthesis protocols and processing methods for scalability and industrial application.
• Conduct in‑depth analysis of material performance and failure modes, providing solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into tangible technological advancements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong focus on nanotechnology.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in materials science, with a proven track record in nanomaterial development.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with various synthesis techniques and advanced characterization tools.
• Strong understanding of the structure-property relationships of materials at the nanoscale.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and scientific communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for patent development and publication in high-impact journals.
• Access to cutting‑edge laboratory equipment and resources.
• Professional development support and conference attendance.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment focused on innovation.