Senior Research Fellow - Materials Science

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Access to world-class facilities

International collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Fellow in Materials Science to join our client’s advanced research institute in Bloemfontein. The role leads independent projects, mentors junior researchers, and advances materials technology through innovative synthesis, processing and characterization techniques.

You will collaborate with industry and academia, publish in top journals, and benefit from a flexible hybrid work model with access to world-class facilities and funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science.
• Proven track record of independent research with publications in top-tier journals.
• Extensive experience with material characterization techniques and equipment.
• Strong theoretical understanding of materials behavior and processing-structure-property relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and mentoring skills for a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pioneering research in nanomaterials, polymers, composites, or functional materials.
• Design and execute experimental protocols for material synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to investigate material properties.
• Interpret experimental data, draw conclusions, and develop new theories or models.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and academic institutions to foster innovation and technology transfer.

Skills

Independent researcher

Mentoring

Communication

Presentation

Collaborative

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science/related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Research Fellow in Materials Science to join their advanced research institute in Bloemfontein . This role is central to driving innovation in the development and characterization of novel materials for cutting-edge applications. You will lead independent research projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the institute's reputation for scientific excellence. The position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, enabling focused research in the lab alongside remote analysis and collaboration. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated scientist to make significant contributions to the field and advance materials technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct pioneering research in areas such as nanomaterials, polymers, composites, or functional materials.
• Design and execute experimental protocols for material synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to investigate material properties.
• Interpret experimental data, draw conclusions, and develop new theories or models.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and academic institutions to foster innovation and technology transfer.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science.
• Demonstrated track record of independent research, evidenced by publications in top-tier journals.
• Extensive experience with a range of material characterization techniques and equipment.
• Strong theoretical understanding of materials behavior and processing-structure-property relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and mentoring skills, suitable for a hybrid research environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and research funding opportunities.
• Access to world-class research facilities and instrumentation.
• Hybrid work model promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and professional networking.