Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Materials Synthesis

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Conference attendance support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Mahikeng, North West, ZA to lead synthesis and characterization efforts for advanced materials used in electronics, energy, and catalysis. The role targets a PhD holder with extensive hands-on synthesis and publication experience, working on-site to drive innovative materials research.

You will design complex synthetic routes, utilize state-of-the-art equipment, mentor staff, and contribute to patents and high-impact publications, while ensuring

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, Materials) or Materials Science or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years postdoctoral or industrial research in materials synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel materials.
• Optimize synthesis parameters to control properties and morphology.
• Characterize materials using spectroscopy, crystallography, microscopy, and thermal analysis.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide design and applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate material applications.
• Lead research projects, plan resources, and report timelines.
• Mentor junior researchers and publish high-quality work.

Skills

Synthesis techniques

Material characterization

Project leadership

Mentoring

Scientific publication

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science

Tools

XRD

NMR

FTIR

SEM

TEM

DSC/TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a world-renowned leader in materials science research, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Scientist to join our dedicated team in Mahikeng, North West, ZA. This on-site position focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel materials with applications in electronics, energy, and catalysis. You will be at the forefront of designing and executing complex synthetic procedures, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, and delving into the fundamental properties of newly created substances. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field, coupled with extensive hands-on experience in advanced synthesis techniques. We are looking for an individual with a strong publication record, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for discovery. This role offers a significant opportunity to lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in materials technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel inorganic and organic materials.
• Optimize synthesis parameters to control material properties, morphology, and performance.
• Characterize synthesized materials using a wide array of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy (NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis), crystallography (XRD), microscopy (SEM, TEM), and thermal analysis (DSC, TGA).
• Investigate structure-property relationships to guide materials design and application development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore and validate potential applications for new materials.
• Manage research projects, including planning, resource allocation, and reporting timelines.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Author high-quality scientific publications and contribute to patent applications.
• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to all safety protocols.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, Materials), Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industrial research experience in materials synthesis.
• Demonstrated expertise in a variety of synthesis techniques (e.g., solid-state, sol-gel, hydrothermal, organometallic chemistry).
• Proficiency with a broad range of advanced material characterization techniques.
• Proven ability to independently design and execute complex research projects.
• Strong publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings effectively.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work exclusively on-site in Mahikeng, North West, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include excellent health coverage, retirement plan options, and generous paid time off.
• We invest in employee development through ongoing training, workshops, and support for conference attendance.
• Our client provides access to cutting-edge research facilities and state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization equipment.
• Join a leading research organization where your contributions to materials science innovation are recognized and rewarded, and enjoy a stimulating career focused on discovery.