Joyce Matsoso
Advanced Materials Scientist
Praha
Summary
Skilled Advanced Materials Scientist with significant experience in research methodologies, analytical data analysis techniques, project management, and grant acquisition. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to driving and achieving impactful results, while easily adapting to evolving project needs. Proficient in leveraging advanced technologies for scientific inquiry, in conjunction with being passionate about mentoring junior scientists in innovative research for gas and bio-sensors, ammonia production, and CO2 utilization. Ready to apply knowledge of related research experience to the new role through reliable problem-solving and effective communication skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Chemical Fellows (CHEMFELLS) V Research Scientist
University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
03.2021 - Current
- Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing research processes on ammonia production using advanced 2D materials as catalysts, driving continuous improvement efforts for CO2 caption and utilization processes.
- Secured competitive national and international research grants by crafting compelling proposals, ensuring continuation and expansion of critical research project on CO2 caption, utilization and storage.
- Mentored junior scientists, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
- Designed research projects and alternative approaches and discussed results with professor.
- Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects in line with the carbon neutrality mandate as well as environmental mitigation through reduction of nitrates (NO3) compounds in wastewater.
- Developed novel research methodologies for improved data analysis and interpretation for ammonia production technologies.
- Pursued independent and complementary research interests through collaboration with international multidisciplinary teams in France, Canada, Poland, India, and South Africa in order to achieve outstanding research goals.
- Contributed to the publication of over 20 peer-reviewed articles and presented findings at major international conferences such as Flatlands Beyond Graphene, at major symposia (MATSUS2025:Seville), and at panel discussions (Graphene Week 2025).
- Reviewed technical and professional publications and journals to stay current on recent literature and make more strategic research decisions.
Graphene Flagship Research Fellow
LMI UMR 5617 CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
06.2018 - 06.2022
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps on the Powder Derived Ceramics (PDC) techniques for synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous methodologies for the synthesis of hBN nanosheets and data analysis techniques.
- Contributed to successful grant applications (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2019) by conducting preliminary studies that supported project feasibility and relevance for the development of flexible heterostructures of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for application in supercapacitors.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, between France, Brazil and South Africa, to tackle complex research questions regarding sensing properties of hBN for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Facilitated strong communication among team members through regular meetings, progress reports, and open channels of dialogue.
- Maintained accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and findings for transparent reporting of results in publications.
- Published research findings in top-tier academic journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
- Mentored junior researchers and students by providing guidance on study design and data analysis for the application of onion-like carbons in gas sensing technology, as well as manuscript preparation.
DST/NRF Visiting Researcher
University Of The Witwatersrand
01.2020 - 02.2021
- Conducted comprehensive literature review, identifying gaps in existing knowledge on the effect of ion irradiation on the electronic properties of solid carbon nanospheres (SCSs)
- Enhanced research outcomes by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in physics, chemistry and chemical engineering by utilizing diverse methodologies to achieve success in implanting various hetero-ions onto the surface of SCSs.
- Prepared complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes.
- Mentored junior researchers working on designing nickel-based catalyst supported on hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) for application in supercapacitors.
- Provided guidance to junior researchers and students on best research practices and supporting their professional development.
- Reviewed manuscripts submitted to academic journals (i.e IOP, RSC, and JELECHEM) for publication consideration, providing constructive feedback to authors regarding content validity and clarity.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
School of Chemistry, University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Master of Science - Chemistry
School of Chemistry, Univeristy of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Technology
Department of Chemistry, National University of Lesotho
Maseru, Lesotho 04.2001 -
Skills
Laboratory techniques
Root-cause analysis
Scientific writing and Peer-Reviewing
Research planning and methods
Experimental design and methodology implementation
Qualitative and Quantitative research analysis and interpretation
Grant writing
Electrochemical methods
Affiliations
- Diversity in Graphene- Advisory Board Member
- Institute of Physics (IOP)- Associate Member
- Graphene Flagship Mentorship Programme- Mentor
- Royal Society of Chemistry - Member
Timeline
Chemical Fellows (CHEMFELLS) V Research Scientist
University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
03.2021 - Current
DST/NRF Visiting Researcher
University Of The Witwatersrand
01.2020 - 02.2021
Graphene Flagship Research Fellow
LMI UMR 5617 CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
06.2018 - 06.2022
Ph.D. - Chemistry
School of Chemistry, University of The Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Master of Science - Chemistry
School of Chemistry, Univeristy of The Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Technology
Department of Chemistry, National University of Lesotho
04.2001 -