Senior Materials Scientist — Relocation & Professional Growth

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional development funding

State-of-the-art facility

Health and life insurance

Job summary

Placements24 on behalf of a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will oversee material characterization, performance testing, and development of synthesis processes for next-generation materials.

The role requires a PhD in Materials Science or related field and 6+ years of research experience with polymers, metals, ceramics, or nanomaterials.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry or academic research experience in materials science.
• Expertise in polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, or nanomaterials.
• Proficiency with advanced material characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of material properties, processing-structure-property relationships.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex experimental programs.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to mentor junior staff.
• Track record of successful project management and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development projects focused on synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials.
• Conduct in-depth material analysis using SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Develop and optimize material processing techniques to achieve desired properties and performance.
• Investigate material failure mechanisms and propose solutions for enhanced durability and reliability.
• Collaborate with product development teams to translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in materials science and engineering.
• Manage laboratory equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the R&D department.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Thermal analysis

Job description

Placements24 on behalf of a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will oversee material characterization, performance testing, and development of synthesis processes for next-generation materials.

The role requires a PhD in Materials Science or related field and 6+ years of research experience with polymers, metals, ceramics, or nanomaterials.