Senior Research Scientist - Renewable Energy Materials

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Online training access

Global collaboration opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist for a fully remote position focused on developing and characterizing novel materials for renewable energy technologies, including solar cells, batteries, and catalysts. The role requires leading independent research projects and collaborating with global partners to push energy solutions from home offices.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in energy materials or a related field, with 6+ years post-PhD experience, a strong publication record, and

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or related field with energy materials specialization.
• 6+ years post-PhD research experience in renewable energy materials science.
• Experience with synthesis, characterization and performance evaluation of solar cells, batteries or fuel cells.
• Proven track record of high-quality research publications and conference presentations.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation tools relevant to materials science (DFT, MD).
• Strong understanding of device physics and energy conversion/storage principles.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical and experimental research on novel materials for renewable energy applications (perovskites, organic photovoltaics, solid-state electrolytes, electrocatalysts).
• Design and synthesize advanced materials using state-of-the-art techniques (solution processing, thin-film deposition, nanomaterial synthesis).
• Characterize material properties using spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical analysis.
• Model and simulate material performance to guide experimental design and predict device efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on joint research projects in materials science and energy technology.
• Disseminate findings through publications and international conferences; mentor junior researchers and PhD students.
• Contribute to grant writing and proposal development to secure funding for new research initiatives in renewable energy materials.

Skills

Materials science

Synthesis & characterization

Computational modeling

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in energy materials

Tools

DFT

Molecular dynamics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research institution dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions, is actively seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join their world-class team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking work from anywhere. The role will focus on the development and characterization of novel materials for next-generation renewable energy technologies, including advanced solar cells, high-capacity batteries, and efficient catalysts for hydrogen production. You will lead independent research projects, drive innovation in materials science, and contribute significantly to the global effort towards a cleaner energy future. The ideal candidate will possess a strong research background, a passion for sustainability, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, remote research environment. We are looking for individuals who are driven by the challenge of solving complex energy problems and eager to make a tangible impact. Join us in shaping the future of renewable energy from the convenience of your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical and experimental research on novel materials for renewable energy applications, such as perovskites, organic photovoltaics, solid-state electrolytes, and electrocatalysts.
• Design and synthesize advanced materials using state-of-the-art techniques, including solution processing, thin-film deposition, and nanomaterial synthesis.
• Characterize material properties using a wide array of techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical analysis.
• Model and simulate material performance to guide experimental design and predict device efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on joint research projects, contributing expertise in materials science and energy technology.
• Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and PhD students, fostering a productive and innovative research environment.
• Contribute to grant writing and proposal development to secure funding for new research initiatives in renewable energy materials.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in energy materials.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-Ph.D. research experience in the field of renewable energy materials science.
• Demonstrated expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of materials for solar cells, batteries, or fuel cells.
• Proven track record of high-quality research publications and conference presentations.
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation tools relevant to materials science (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics).
• Strong understanding of device physics and engineering principles for energy conversion and storage systems.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote work setting.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet research deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a passion for scientific discovery and a commitment to sustainability.

Benefits

This remote position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance-based bonuses, and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Our client provides excellent health insurance coverage, a generous retirement plan contribution, and ample paid time off. We support continuous professional development through access to online training, virtual conferences, and opportunities for collaboration with leading global researchers. Join a forward-thinking organization making significant contributions to the renewable energy sector. This role offers the chance to be at the forefront of materials science innovation, impacting global energy solutions from your Richards Bay based (but remote) perspective.js