Senior Research Scientist - Materials Science

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & retirement plans

cutting-edge facilities

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist to join its Materials Science team in Mossel Bay. You will design and conduct experiments, analyze material characteristics, and contribute to IP generation in a dynamic industrial setting.

You will work with advanced characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC) and collaborate with engineering to translate findings into real-world applications, while documenting results for reports and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in materials development and characterization.
• Proficiency with key materials characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for synthesis, characterization, and testing of new materials.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC) to investigate material structure and properties.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and provide interpretations to guide research direction.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate findings into applications.
• Contribute to patent applications, technical reports, and publications.
• Maintain detailed notebooks and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Materials characterization

Electron microscopy

X-ray diffraction

Spectroscopy

Polymer/ceramics/composites

Reports & presentations

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Senior Research Scientist to join their innovative Materials Science team in Mossel Bay. This role is critical for driving the development of next-generation materials with novel properties for diverse applications. You will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing material characteristics, and contributing to intellectual property generation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in materials science principles and a passion for hands‑on research and development in a dynamic industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for the synthesis, characterization, and testing of new materials.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC) to investigate material structure and properties.
• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and provide insightful interpretations to guide research direction.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Contribute to the preparation of patent applications, technical reports, and scientific publications.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience in materials development and characterization.
• Proficiency with key materials characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Strong understanding of polymer science, ceramics, or composite materials, depending on specialization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities for technical reporting and presentations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and scientific discovery.
• Potential for involvement in high-impact research projects with tangible outcomes.