Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Nanotechnologist
Nanoscale materials and devices
What this life looks like
You work at the scale of atoms and molecules to create materials and devices with extraordinary properties. Nanotechnologists engineer matter at the nanoscale — one billionth of a metre — developing innovations in medicine, energy, electronics, and materials science that are impossible at larger scales.
What she actually does
You synthesise and characterise nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots; use advanced microscopy including electron and atomic force microscopes; design nanostructured materials with specific optical, electrical, or biological properties; develop drug delivery systems that target specific cells; work on nano-enabled solar cells and batteries; and investigate the safety of nanomaterials.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Research Universities | Wits University, UCT, University of Pretoria — nanoscience research groups |
| CSIR South Africa | National nanotechnology research and development programmes, DSI NIC centres |
| Pharmaceutical Companies | Aspen Pharmacare, Cipla Quality Chemical — nanomedicine research |
| Water & Energy Sector | Research institutions developing nano-enabled water purification and solar technologies |
Why it matters in Africa
While nanotechnology is globally advanced, African applications are emerging in areas critical to the continent: nano-enabled water purification systems, nanomaterial-based diagnostics for infectious diseases, nano-fertilisers for more efficient agriculture, and nano-enabled drug delivery for African diseases. South Africa and Egypt lead Africa's nanotechnology research.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics at school
- Study Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or Biomedical Engineering at university
- Pursue postgraduate research — nanotechnology is primarily a postgraduate research discipline
- Develop electron microscopy and nanofabrication skills through research group attachment
- Engage with the DSI Nanotechnology Innovation Centres and African Network for Nanotechnology
Skills you will need
- Nanomaterial synthesis
- Electron microscopy and characterisation
- Chemical and physics fundamentals
- Laboratory safety for nanomaterials
- Scientific writing
- Interdisciplinary research skills
A woman in this field
Professor Philiswa Nosizo Nomngongo
South Africa
Philiswa is a world-renowned nanotechnologist and the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Nanotechnology for Water. Growing up in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape, she witnessed firsthand the impact of water-borne illnesses in rural communities, which fueled her passion for chemistry. Her research focuses on developing nano-based sensors and filtration systems that can detect and remove organic and inorganic pollutants (such as heavy metals and pharmaceutical waste) from water. By using the unique properties of nanomaterials, she creates sustainable, low-cost solutions that make drinking water safe for remote and disadvantaged communities.
Take your first step
- Study Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics intensively at school
- Research chemistry, physics, or materials science programmes at universities with active nanoscience research groups
- Follow the CSIR South Africa at csir.co.za and the DSI Nanotechnology Innovation Centres
- Learn what scanning electron microscopy is and how it is used to see nanoscale structures