Senior Research Scientist - Renewable Energy Materials

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join a dynamic research institution in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA. The role blends advanced lab work with remote tasks to develop and characterize novel materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, and green technologies.

You will lead projects, mentor junior researchers, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. A PhD and 5+ years in energy materials research are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field with a strong focus on energy materials.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in renewable energy materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and characterization of materials relevant to solar energy, energy storage, or catalysis.
• Proficiency with advanced characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Experience with computational materials science tools (DFT, molecular dynamics) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and work effectively in a hybrid team setting.
• Strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for sustainability and a commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.
• Must be able to work effectively in both a remote and on-site lab environment in Mossel Bay.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials for renewable energy applications.
• Develop and optimize materials for solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, or related energy technologies.
• Perform comprehensive material characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, electrochemical testing, and spectroscopy.
• Conduct theoretical modeling and simulation to understand material properties and guide experimental design.
• Collaborate with engineers and other scientists to integrate materials into functional devices.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations.
• Contribute to the writing of grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in renewable energy materials science.

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

DFT

Molecular dynamics

XRD

SEM

TEM

XPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic research institution dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies, with a focus on materials for renewable energy applications. We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join our team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to balance focused research in our advanced labs with remote work. You will be instrumental in developing and characterizing novel materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, and other green technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials chemistry or physics, with proven experience in areas such as photovoltaics, battery materials, or catalysts. Your work will directly contribute to accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future. We are looking for an innovative thinker with a passion for scientific discovery and a commitment to environmental impact. This role provides an excellent opportunity to lead research projects and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts in the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials for renewable energy applications.
• Develop and optimize materials for solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, or related energy technologies.
• Perform comprehensive material characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, electrochemical testing, and spectroscopy.
• Conduct theoretical modeling and simulation to understand material properties and guide experimental design.
• Collaborate with engineers and other scientists to integrate materials into functional devices.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed technical reports and presentations.
• Contribute to the writing of grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in renewable energy materials science.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on energy materials.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in renewable energy materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis and characterization of materials relevant to solar energy, energy storage, or catalysis.
• Proficiency with advanced characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Experience with computational materials science tools (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage research projects and work effectively in a hybrid team setting.
• Strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for sustainability and a commitment to advancing clean energy technologies.
• Must be able to work effectively in both a remote and on-site lab environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance incentives and potential for research grants.
• Employees receive comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement plan options, and generous paid time off.
• We support continuous professional development through workshops, training, and conference attendance.
• Our client provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced analytical equipment.
• A flexible hybrid work arrangement is offered, promoting work-life balance.
• Join a forward-thinking organization making a significant contribution to a sustainable future and enjoy a challenging yet rewarding career.