Senior Physicist - Advanced Materials Characterization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Physicist for a prestigious national research laboratory in Upington, Northern Cape. The role leads advanced materials characterization programs, designs experiments, and operates TEM, SEM, XRD, AFM, and spectroscopy tools, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The candidate will have a PhD in Physics or Materials Science, 7+ years of post-doctoral or industrial experience, strong theory background, and a track record of publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, or related field with strong experimental focus.
• Minimum 7 years post-doctoral or industrial research experience.
• Experience with multiple advanced characterization techniques (TEM/SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, AFM).

Responsibilities

• Lead projects for characterization of novel materials using advanced physics methods.
• Operate and maintain high-end instrumentation (TEM, SEM, XRD, AFM, spectroscopy).
• Develop new experimental methodologies and analyze complex data sets.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers; publish in high-impact journals; mentor researchers; contribute to grant proposals.

Skills

Experimental condensed matter physics

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Materials Science

Tools

Origin

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious national research laboratory dedicated to pioneering advancements in materials science and physics. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Physicist to lead critical research initiatives in advanced materials characterization at our facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This role involves utilizing and developing state-of-the-art experimental techniques to probe the fundamental properties of novel materials, with applications spanning renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and fundamental scientific discovery. You will be responsible for designing complex experiments, operating sophisticated instrumentation, interpreting intricate data, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of condensed matter physics or a related field, combined with extensive hands-on experience in advanced experimental characterization. Contribute to groundbreaking research in the heart of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

Lead research projects focused on the characterization of novel materials using advanced physics principles. Operate and maintain sophisticated characterization equipment, such as high-resolution electron microscopes (TEM, SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and spectroscopic tools. Develop new experimental methodologies and protocols for materials analysis. Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, often involving large datasets. Collaborate with materials scientists, chemists, and engineers to understand material behavior and properties. Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the laboratory's scientific reputation. Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field with a strong focus on experimental condensed matter physics or materials characterization. Minimum of 7 years of relevant post-doctoral or industrial research experience. Extensive hands-on experience with at least two advanced characterization techniques (e.g., TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman Spectroscopy, AFM). Strong theoretical background in solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, or related areas. Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Origin, MATLAB) and experience with scripting for data processing is a plus. Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments. Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous approach to experimental work. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven track record of publications in reputable scientific journals.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional advancement. Employees have access to world-class research facilities and funding for professional development, including conference attendance. This position is based in Upington, Northern Cape , offering a unique environment for scientific exploration. Be part of a leading research institution contributing to fundamental scientific knowledge and technological innovation.