Senior Research Scientist — Solar & Energy Storage Innovator

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead our renewable energy research group. You will drive projects on solar cells and energy storage, conduct experiments, and shape the scientific strategy to advance efficient, affordable technologies.

Requirements include a PhD and at least five years of post‑doc or industry experience in solar energy or batteries, plus expertise in synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical testing.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with a focus on renewable energy.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry research experience in solar energy, battery technology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of energy materials.
• Proficiency with XRD, SEM, electrochemical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on improving the efficiency and lifespan of solar cells and energy storage systems.
• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments related to materials science, electrochemistry, and device fabrication.
• Investigate novel materials and architectures for advanced solar energy conversion and storage.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols and testing methodologies.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and technicians, to translate research into practical applications.

Skills

Research leadership

Materials analysis

Experiment design

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering

Tools

XRD

SEM

Electrochemical analysis

Job description

Placements24 in Upington seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead our renewable energy research group. You will drive projects on solar cells and energy storage, conduct experiments, and shape the scientific strategy to advance efficient, affordable technologies.

Requirements include a PhD and at least five years of post‑doc or industry experience in solar energy or batteries, plus expertise in synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical testing.