Senior Materials Scientist - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Professional development funding

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to lead R&D on advanced materials for photovoltaics and energy storage. You will synthesize, characterize, and test materials, guiding projects from concept to prototype.

The role requires a PhD and 5+ years in energy materials, strong publication record, and experience with SEM/TEM/XRD/XPS, MATLAB/Origin; relocation assistance offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or closely related field.
• 5+ years post-doc/industry experience in energy materials.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex experiments and publish results.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on advanced materials for photovoltaics and batteries.
• Synthesize, characterize, and test materials for energy conversion and storage.
• Use SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, AFM, spectroscopy to evaluate materials.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate materials into prototypes and test performance.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage project timelines and budgets.
• Publish research results and present at conferences.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Materials R&D

Education

PhD in Materials Science/related field

Tools

MATLAB

Origin

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking company dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies, is seeking a Senior Materials Scientist to spearhead critical research and development initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to discovering and engineering novel materials that will enhance the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of next-generation solar cells and energy storage solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of material characterization, synthesis, and performance testing, coupled with a passion for driving sustainable energy innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a greener future within a dynamic and growth-oriented industry located in the industrial heartland of Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on the development of advanced materials for renewable energy applications, including photovoltaics and batteries.
• Investigate, synthesize, and characterize new materials with tailored properties for improved energy conversion and storage.
• Utilize a range of advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, spectroscopy) to evaluate material structure, composition, and performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate newly developed materials into prototype devices and conduct performance testing.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and provide strategic recommendations for material design and process optimization.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in materials science and renewable energy.
• Author technical reports, research papers for publication, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in materials research and development, with a focus on energy-related materials.
• Proven expertise in material synthesis, characterization, and performance testing, particularly for photovoltaic or battery applications.
• Hands-on experience with advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, and spectroscopy.
• Strong understanding of solid-state physics, electrochemistry, and semiconductor physics.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in leading research projects and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Origin) is advantageous.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for innovation in sustainable energy.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual salary and performance-based incentives. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided. A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available. Opportunities for professional development include funding for attending leading scientific conferences, workshops, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . We cultivate an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. Generous paid time off and holiday leave are standard. Relocation assistance may be offered to eligible candidates.