Senior Research Fellow - Materials Science & Nanotechnology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Conference travel support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Fellow in Mahikeng, North West, to lead pioneering research in materials science and nanotechnology. You will supervise projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to publications and grant applications.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD and a strong track record in materials characterization techniques and nanoscale fabrication, working in a collaborative academic and industrial research setting.

Qualifications

• PhD required in materials-related field with strong publication record.
• Minimum of 6 years post-doctoral research experience in materials science or nanotechnology.
• Proven expertise in synthesis and characterization of advanced materials, especially nanomaterials.
• Proficiency with a range of materials characterization techniques and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in materials science and nanotechnology.
• Design and execute complex experiments using SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, XPS and spectroscopy.
• Develop fabrication methods for nanomaterials, thin films, and composites.
• Analyze experimental data to understand material properties and performance.
• Lead research projects from concept to completion, including proposals and grant writing.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Physics or related field

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

AFM

XPS

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institute focused on advanced materials, is seeking a Senior Research Fellow to join their Materials Science and Nanotechnology division in Mahikeng, North West. This advanced role will involve pioneering research into the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel nanomaterials and advanced composites. You will lead independent research projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute significantly to publications and grant applications. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation and extensive practical experience in materials characterization techniques and nanoscale fabrication. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of scientific discovery in a collaborative academic and industrial research environment. The Mahikeng location provides a dynamic setting for groundbreaking materials research. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to shape the future of materials science.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in materials science, with a focus on nanotechnology, synthesis of novel materials, and characterization.
• Design and execute complex experiments using advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, XPS, spectroscopy).
• Develop and implement fabrication methods for nanomaterials, thin films, and composite structures.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand material properties and performance.
• Lead research projects, from conceptualization to completion, including proposal writing and project management.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor and supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including industry collaborators, to drive innovation and technology transfer.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safe working practices are followed.
• Contribute to the strategic development of research programs within the division.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science or nanotechnology.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials, particularly nanomaterials.
• Proficiency with a range of materials characterization techniques.
• Strong publication record in leading scientific journals.
• Proven experience in independently managing research projects and writing successful grant proposals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of materials is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and development.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and advanced instrumentation.
• Collaborative and stimulating research environment.
• Potential to lead impactful research projects and contribute to significant scientific breakthroughs.
• Support for conference travel and professional networking.
• A role in shaping the future of materials science and nanotechnology.
• Contribution to a dynamic research community in the North West province.