Senior Research Fellow - Materials Science

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Best facilities

International travel

Conference attendance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Research Fellow in the advanced materials science division based in Port Elizabeth.

You will lead independent R&D in polymers, composites, or ceramics, design experiments, and analyze data to link structure with performance. The role offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to collaborate with industry.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science or related field.
• 5+ years postdoctoral experience with publications in advanced materials.
• Expertise in synthesis and characterization techniques and mechanical testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent R&D in polymers, composites, or ceramics.
• Design experiments for synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Analyze data linking structure with performance.
• Collaborate with industry partners to translate findings into applications.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Supervise postgraduate students and junior researchers.

Skills

Materials synthesis

Characterization techniques

Computational modeling

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Mechanical testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow to join their advanced materials science division in Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and development in the field of materials science, focusing on polymers, composites, or ceramics.
• Design and perform experiments for material synthesis, processing, and characterization using advanced techniques.
• Analyze and interpret complex material property data, correlating structure with performance.
• Collaborate with industry partners to translate laboratory findings into practical applications.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers involved in material science projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral research experience with a strong publication record in advanced materials.
• Proven expertise in materials synthesis, characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy), and mechanical testing.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of material properties is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with leading research groups.
• Support for professional development and conference attendance.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating research environment dedicated to scientific excellence.