Senior Research Scientist - Renewable Energy Systems

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness benefits

Remote work flexibility

Competitive remuneration

Retirement savings options

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist specializing in Renewable Energy Systems for a fully remote role. You will lead projects on solar, storage, and grid integration, collaborating with a global team to advance sustainable energy technologies.

You will publish findings, mentor researchers, and help secure funding while working from a flexible, remote setup that spans national and international partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in EE/ME/Materials/Physics with renewable focus.
• Minimum 7 years post-PhD renewable energy research.
• Experience in PV, batteries, grid modernization, or energy management.
• Strong modeling and simulation skills (Python, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Excellent publication and conference record.
• Strong remote collaboration and leadership for distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects on novel renewable energy technologies.
• Investigate materials and designs for solar cells, wind, energy storage.
• Develop models for energy system performance and grid integration.
• Perform techno-economic analyses of solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate components.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
• Secure research funding through proposals.
• Mentor junior researchers and guide technical development.
• Stay updated on global energy and policy developments.
• Contribute to IP portfolio through patents and innovations.

Skills

Research leadership

Remote collaboration

Python

MATLAB

Simulink

Publication track record

Education

PhD in Electrical/Mechanical/Materials/Physics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary research institution focused on sustainable technologies, is actively seeking a distinguished Senior Research Scientist specializing in Renewable Energy Systems . This fully remote position invites experts to contribute to the development and optimization of cutting‑edge renewable energy solutions. You will lead research initiatives in areas such as advanced solar technologies, energy storage, grid integration, and smart energy management. This role demands a deep understanding of energy physics, materials science, and system engineering, with a proven track record of innovation and publication. As a remote‑first team member, you will collaborate with a global network of researchers and engineers, driving progress in clean energy solutions from your home base. We are committed to fostering an environment where scientific curiosity and impactful research thrive, all while supporting a flexible and productive remote working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on the development of novel renewable energy technologies and systems.
• Investigate advanced materials and designs for solar cells, wind turbines, and energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, hydrogen).
• Develop and implement models for energy system performance, efficiency, and grid integration.
• Conduct techno‑economic analyses of renewable energy solutions.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to integrate different renewable energy components into optimized systems.
• Publish research findings in high‑impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Secure research grants and funding through proposal writing.
• Mentor junior researchers and guide technical development within the team.
• Stay abreast of global advancements and policy developments in the renewable energy sector.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through patents and innovations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field with a focus on renewable energy.
• A minimum of 7 years of post‑doctoral or industry research experience in renewable energy systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas such as photovoltaic technology, battery systems, grid modernization, or energy management.
• Strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in system design, modeling, and simulation.
• Proficiency in programming languages and simulation tools relevant to energy systems (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Simulink).
• Excellent track record of scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities for remote teamwork.
• Experience in securing research funding is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and robust retirement savings options. This fully remote role offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing professionals in Nelspruit and across the nation to contribute to world‑class research. You will be part of a leading institution at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation, with ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We support continuous learning and provide resources for professional development, ensuring our team members remain at the cutting edge of their fields.