Senior Renewable Energy Research Scientist (Hybrid)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Polokwane to advance renewable energy technologies, including solar energy conversion, energy storage, smart grids, and biofuels.

You will design and conduct experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and mentor junior researchers while collaborating with engineers, scientists, and policy experts to move projects from concept to prototype in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering or related field with renewable energy focus.
• Minimum of 5 years post‑doctoral or relevant industry research experience.
• Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyze complex experiments.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in renewable energy technologies (solar, storage, wind, geothermal).
• Design and perform laboratory experiments to investigate materials and device architectures.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop and optimize models for energy systems and components.
• Collaborate with engineers to scale up technologies and conduct pilot studies.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to IP development and patent applications.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns with guidance and technical support.
• Stay informed about latest renewable energy advancements and trends.
• Assist with grant writing and proposal development.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

PhD in Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Polokwane to advance renewable energy technologies, including solar energy conversion, energy storage, smart grids, and biofuels.

You will design and conduct experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and mentor junior researchers while collaborating with engineers, scientists, and policy experts to move projects from concept to prototype in a hybrid work environment.