Senior Research Scientist (Materials Science)

Placements24; Richards Bay; Sur place; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 900 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

International collaborations

State-of-the-art facilities

Résumé du poste

Placements24, on behalf of a pioneering materials company, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join their Richards Bay team in KwaZulu-Natal. The role centers on discovering and characterizing novel materials for energy, manufacturing, and sustainable tech, leading projects and mentoring scientists.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in materials-related field, 6+ years post-doctoral experience, extensive synthesis and characterization expertise (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy), and a strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• 6+ years of post-doctoral experience in materials science with strong publication record.
• Expertise in synthesis and characterization of advanced materials (polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials).
• Proficiency with a range of material characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.
• Proven ability to lead research projects in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and oral communication for scientific reporting and presentations.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Conduct cutting-edge research in materials science, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of novel materials.
• Lead independent research projects from conception through to completion, including experimental design, execution, and data analysis.
• Develop and implement advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material properties at various scales.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technicians, fostering a strong scientific culture within the team.
• Author high-quality scientific publications and present findings at leading international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in materials science and related fields.
• Ensure laboratory safety protocols are strictly adhered to and maintain detailed research records.

Connaissances

Publication record

Project leadership

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Formation

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Outils

SEM

TEM

XRD

Spectroscopy

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering entity in advanced materials development, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join their innovative team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is central to the discovery and characterization of novel materials with applications in energy, manufacturing, and sustainable technologies. The successful candidate will lead ambitious research projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the strategic roadmap of our R&D efforts. This position requires a deep understanding of materials science principles, extensive laboratory experience, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of material innovation. You will play a key role in shaping the future of materials research and development within our organization, based in the industrial heartland of KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in the field of materials science, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of novel materials.
• Lead independent research projects from conception through to completion, including experimental design, execution, and data analysis.
• Develop and implement advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to understand material properties at various scales.
• Collaborate with engineers and product development teams to translate research findings into practical applications.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technicians, fostering a strong scientific culture within the team.
• Author high-quality scientific publications and present findings at leading international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in materials science and related fields.
• Ensure laboratory safety protocols are strictly adhered to and maintain detailed research records.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis and characterization of advanced materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials).
• Proficiency with a range of material characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of structure-property relationships in materials.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for scientific reporting and presentations.
• Experience with computational materials modeling is a plus.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance bonuses. Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and participation in international research collaborations are readily available. Employees enjoy access to state-of-the‑at‑sea laboratory facilities and a dynamic, supportive work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal .