Senior Research Scientist - Materials Engineering

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Materials Engineering for its Upington innovation hub. You will lead design, synthesis, and testing of advanced materials for renewable energy, aerospace, and manufacturing applications, mentoring junior scientists and collaborating across departments.

Applicants should hold a PhD with 6+ years of related experience, and be capable of directing projects from concept to commercialization while publishing results and pursuing IP opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in materials R&D with demonstrated project leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of materials characterization techniques and structure–property relationships.
• Proven expertise in materials synthesis, processing, and fabrication.
• Experience with computational materials science tools (FEM, MD) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a track record of publications and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in renewable energy or advanced manufacturing is a plus.
• Willingness to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, composites, ceramics, metals).
• Develop innovative materials processing techniques to achieve desired microstructures and properties.
• Utilize characterization tools (SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, mechanical testing) to evaluate performance.
• Conduct computational modeling to predict material behavior and guide experiments.
• Manage research projects from conception to completion within timelines and budgets.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians.
• Collaborate with product development and engineering teams to bridge research and application.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Identify opportunities for IP and patent applications.
• Stay updated on advances in materials engineering and related disciplines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Relocation willingness

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

Finite Element Analysis

Molecular Dynamics

SEM

TEM

XRD

DSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced materials research and development, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist specializing in Materials Engineering for their innovation hub located in Upington, Northern Cape . This position is critical for driving the development of novel materials with enhanced properties for applications in renewable energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in materials science, solid mechanics, and computational modeling, coupled with extensive experience in materials characterization and testing. You will lead research projects, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate laboratory discoveries into commercially viable solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on challenging, high-impact projects at the forefront of materials innovation in a forward-thinking organization. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with a passion for pushing the boundaries of material performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials, including polymers, composites, ceramics, and metals.
• Develop and implement innovative materials processing techniques to achieve desired microstructures and properties.
• Utilize advanced characterization tools (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, mechanical testing) to evaluate material performance.
• Conduct computational modeling and simulations to predict material behavior and guide experimental design.
• Manage research projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and scientific rigor.
• Mentor and guide junior research scientists and technicians, fostering their technical development.
• Collaborate with product development and engineering teams to bridge the gap between research and application.
• Author high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for intellectual property generation and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in materials engineering, nanotechnology, and related scientific disciplines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in materials research and development, with demonstrated project leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of materials characterization techniques and an in-depth understanding of structure-property relationships.
• Proven expertise in materials synthesis, processing, and fabrication.
• Experience with computational materials science tools (e.g., finite element analysis, molecular dynamics) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a track record of publications and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in areas related to renewable energy or advanced manufacturing is a plus.
• Willingness to relocate or work within the Upington, Northern Cape region.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, commensurate with expertise and contribution.
• Employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package, including premium health, dental, and vision insurance, a robust retirement savings plan with employer matching, and life insurance.
• We are committed to fostering professional growth through opportunities for further education, conference attendance, and specialized training.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, is provided.
• This exciting role is based at our state-of-the-art research facility in Upington, Northern Cape .
• Additional benefits include access to advanced research equipment, a collaborative and innovative work environment, and significant potential for career advancement within a leading technology company.

Our client promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace.