Senior Materials Scientist - Nanotechnology Applications

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Generous vacation time

Conference attendance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D on nanomaterials in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will design, synthesize, and characterize advanced nanomaterials and guide cross-functional teams from concept to implementation.

You will mentor researchers, publish findings, and contribute to IP development while applying nanoscience to electronics, energy, catalysis, or biomedical devices. The role rewards innovation and collaboration in a fast-moving environment with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science focusing on nanomaterials.
• Proven experience synthesizing and characterizing diverse nanomaterials.
• Strong microscopy and spectroscopy expertise for materials analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D initiatives in synthesis and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanocomposites).
• Employ a range of synthesis methods including sol-gel, CVD, PVD, and self-assembly.
• Characterize nanomaterials using TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, BET and related techniques.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize performance for electronics, energy, catalysis or biomedical devices.
• Develop scalable synthesis processes and translate research into practical applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and product developers to integrate nanomaterials into new products.
• Conduct performance testing and validation of materials in target applications.
• Author scientific publications, patents and technical reports.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to lab management.
• Stay current with nanotechnology and materials science advancements.

Skills

Nanomaterials synthesis

Materials characterization

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Computational modeling (adv)

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development firm specializing in advanced materials and nanotechnology, is seeking an innovative Senior Materials Scientist to join their cutting-edge team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This position is central to the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of novel nanomaterials for a variety of high-tech industries. You will lead ambitious research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the development of intellectual property. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of nanoscience principles, materials synthesis techniques, and characterization methods, coupled with a proven ability to translate research into practical applications. This is an exceptional opportunity to make significant contributions in a rapidly evolving field within a stimulating research environment in Kimberley .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives in the synthesis and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanocomposites).
• Employ a range of synthetic techniques, including sol-gel, CVD, PVD, and self-assembly methods.
• Characterize nanomaterials using state-of-the-art instrumentation such as TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, and BET.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to optimize material performance for specific applications (e.g., electronics, catalysis, biomedical).
• Develop and scale-up novel material synthesis processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product developers, to integrate nanomaterials into new products.
• Conduct performance testing and validation of materials in target applications.
• Author scientific publications, patents, and technical reports.
• Mentor junior research staff and contribute to laboratory management.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in nanotechnology, materials science, and related fields.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong focus on nanotechnology.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a significant emphasis on nanomaterials.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesizing and characterizing a variety of nanomaterials.
• Proficiency with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques for materials analysis.
• Proven track record of leading research projects and achieving scientific goals.
• Strong understanding of the application of nanomaterials in at least one of the following areas: electronics, energy, catalysis, or biomedical devices.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and a creative approach to innovation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of materials is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package, including superior health coverage, a robust retirement plan, and generous vacation time.

We are committed to professional growth and provide opportunities for attending international conferences, pursuing further education, and engaging in collaborative research.