Senior Nanomaterials Scientist — Lead Innovation (Hybrid)

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

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.