Senior Materials Scientist - Pretoria Research Facility

Placements24; Pretoria; Presencial; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan and life保险

Paid time off and sick leave

Access to cutting-edge laboratories

Professional development opportunities

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist for our Pretoria facility to lead advanced materials R&D for aerospace, energy, and defense sectors.

You will design, synthesize, characterize, and test polymers, ceramics, composites, and alloys; guide projects from concept to prototype; mentor junior staff; and collaborate with engineers, chemists, and physicists in a safety-conscious on-site environment.

Qualificações

• Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field.
• Minimum 6 years postdoctoral or industry research experience.
• Expertise in synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Leading research projects and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Pretoria.

Responsabilidades

• Lead synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, ceramics, composites, alloys).
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate material properties.
• Utilize SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, XRD to analyze structure and composition.
• Develop predictive models from experimental data and theory.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product development and roadmaps.
• Manage research projects with planning, budgeting, and resources.
• Publish papers and present findings at conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.
• Ensure safety compliance and company policies.
• Stay updated on advances and identify opportunities.

Conhecimentos

Publication record

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Formação académica

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Ferramentas

SEM

TEM

XPS

FTIR

XRD

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client is a world-renowned leader in advanced materials research and development, dedicated to creating innovative solutions for aerospace, energy, and defense industries. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Materials Scientist to join our dedicated research team at our state-of-the-art facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. This is a crucial on-site role where you will lead cutting-edge research initiatives focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of novel materials with enhanced properties. You will be instrumental in driving projects from conceptualization through to prototype development and validation. This position requires a deep understanding of materials science principles, experimental techniques, and a proven ability to translate fundamental research into practical applications. You will work within a highly collaborative environment, interfacing with engineers, chemists, and physicists to achieve ambitious technological goals. The ideal candidate possesses a strong publication record and a passion for pioneering new material technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research into the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials, including polymers, ceramics, composites, and alloys.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate material properties such as mechanical strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and chemical resistance.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques, including microscopy (SEM, TEM), spectroscopy (XPS, FTIR), and diffraction (XRD), to analyze material structure and composition.
• Develop predictive models for material behavior and performance based on experimental data and theoretical principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify material requirements for new product development and technology roadmaps.
• Manage research projects, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
• Author technical reports, research papers for publication in high-impact journals, and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Ensure all research activities comply with safety regulations and company policies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials science and identify opportunities for technological innovation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in materials science.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials.
• Proficiency with a wide range of materials characterization techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of materials structure-property relationships and computational materials modeling is a plus.
• Proven track record of leading research projects and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Willingness to work on-site at our Pretoria facility.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, benchmarked against industry standards for senior research roles.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan and life insurance are included.
• We offer ample paid time off and sick leave, along with opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and specialized training.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and advanced research equipment is guaranteed.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and opportunities for career advancement within a leading research organization are significant.
• The chance to work on impactful projects that shape future technologies is a key benefit.