Senior Materials Scientist - Renewable Energy Technologies

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Materials Scientist to advance renewable energy materials in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role involves designing, synthesizing, and characterizing advanced materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, and related applications.

A strong background in solid-state chemistry or materials physics and hands-on characterization expertise are essential. The successful candidate will lead R&D efforts, collaborate with engineers and device physicists, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Solid State Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years post-doc or industry experience in energy materials.
• Experience synthesizing and characterizing thin films, nanoparticles, or functional oxides.
• Hands-on use of SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS and related characterization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D on new materials for solar cells, batteries, or renewable devices.
• Synthesize and process materials via CVD, sputtering, and sol-gel methods.
• Characterize material properties using SEM/TEM/XRD/XPS/UV-Vis.
• Evaluate performance through device fabrication and testing.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and propose new directions.
• Collaborate with engineers and device physicists.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables.
• Contribute to publications and patents.

Skills

Solid-state chemistry

Materials characterization

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

CVD

Sputtering

Sol-gel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic research and development company focused on advancing renewable energy technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Materials Scientist to join our growing team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is central to the innovation and development of novel materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, and other clean energy applications. You will be responsible for designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and testing advanced materials, contributing to the next generation of sustainable energy solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in solid-state chemistry, materials physics, or a related field, with practical experience in materials characterization techniques and a passion for renewable energy. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical global challenges from our facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development efforts for new materials in solar cells, batteries, or other renewable energy devices.
• Synthesize and process advanced materials using techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputtering, and sol-gel methods.
• Characterize material properties using a range of analytical techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Evaluate material performance through device fabrication and testing.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and propose new research directions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and device physicists.
• Manage research project timelines and deliverables.
• Contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Solid State Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in materials research, with a focus on energy applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and characterization of thin films, nanoparticles, or functional oxides.
• Hands-on experience with advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS).
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics and device physics relevant to renewable energy technologies.
• Experience with device fabrication and electrical/optical characterization is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous retirement fund. We provide ample opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences and workshops. This hybrid role allows for a flexible balance between on-site laboratory work in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , and remote work.