Senior Nanomaterials Scientist

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Pension plan

Professional development funding

Access to world-class equipment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Nanomaterials Scientist in Pretoria to lead innovative nanomaterials projects for advanced applications. The role blends theory with hands-on lab work in a hybrid setup, guiding researchers and shaping publications.

You will design experiments, supervise teams, and collaborate across disciplines to translate discoveries into potential products while contributing to IP strategies and high-impact research outputs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field, with strong nanomaterials focus.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral or industry experience in nanomaterials research.
• Proven expertise in synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanotubes, 2D materials).
• Proficiency with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
• Strong understanding of nanoscale properties and structure–property relationships.
• Experience managing research projects and leading scientific teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills; publication record.
• Experience with computational modeling of materials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead RD initiatives in synthesis, characterization, and applications of novel nanomaterials.
• Design and execute experiments for material synthesis (CVD, sol-gel, lithography).
• Use TEM/SEM/AFM/XRD/XPS to analyze material structure and properties.
• Develop nanomaterials for electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical devices.
• Collaborate with chemists, physicists, and engineers to translate research into products.
• Manage research projects, including planning and progress tracking.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; foster collaboration.
• Publish and present high-quality research findings at conferences.
• Contribute to IP development and commercialization strategies.

Skills

Project management

Mentoring

Publications

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

TEM

SEM

AFM

XRD

XPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge materials science research institute located in Pretoria , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Nanomaterials Scientist to lead innovative projects in the development of novel nanomaterials for advanced applications. This role requires a blend of deep theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory expertise. You will be responsible for guiding research efforts, managing projects, and contributing to high-impact publications. The position adopts a hybrid work model, balancing focused independent research with essential collaborative sessions and laboratory work within our state-of-the-art facilities. Join a stimulating environment dedicated to scientific excellence and technological advancement in the field of nanotechnology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives in the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel nanomaterials.
• Design and execute experiments for material synthesis, including techniques like chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sol-gel, and lithography.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools such as TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, and XPS to analyze material structure and properties.
• Develop and test nanomaterials for specific applications in areas such as electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical devices.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, physicists, and engineers, to translate research findings into potential products.
• Manage research projects, including planning, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Author and co-author high-quality scientific publications and present research at international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and potential commercialization strategies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong focus on nanomaterials.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in nanomaterials research.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and characterization of a variety of nanomaterials (e.g., nanoparticles, nanotubes, 2D materials).
• Proficiency with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
• Strong understanding of material properties at the nanoscale and their relation to structure.
• Experience in managing research projects and leading scientific teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven publication record.
• Experience with computational modeling of materials is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Professional development funding for conferences and training.
• Access to world-class research equipment and facilities.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Potential for patent royalties.