Chief Researcher Computer Vision Systems at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Chief Researcher: Computer Vision Systems in the Optronic Sensor Systems (OSS) impact area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to drive strategic direction for innovation in digital optronics research and applications, which focuses on computer vision applications integrating over physics and system performance modeling and simulation, algorithm development, sensor/systems integration, deployment, test and evaluation (T&E). The position is based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities
Technical expertise

• Lead the identification of opportunities to apply computer vision across various domains including security, mining, manufacturing, and remote sensing;
• Lead the analysis and implementation from physics and end-user requirements to integrated solutions to create video surveillance/monitoring/intelligence user systems for deployment and evaluation;
• Create, refine and implement new computer vision systems in a variety of applications including security, mining, manufacturing, and remote sensing
• Develop end-user computer vision applications while integrating active and passive sensors, visual and non-visual spectrum, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors, optical and non-optical elements;
• Drive the conceptualization of superior solutions and differentiated products/systems including video analytics for human behavior analysis;
• Design and implement superior solutions and differentiated products/systems;
• Drive the implementation of video analytics based on human behaviour analysis;
• Proactively conduct research on technologies to improve team and systems innovation, processes, and productivity.

Knowledge generation and dissemination

• Strategically develop a computer vision research and applications program to support Doctoral and Masters’ students, journal publications, and international visibility;
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters, or editor of book/conference proceedings;
• Lead and contribute to the development of new and adapted technologies for licencing, patenting and transfer to new and existing industries;
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedure.

Human capital development

• Attract staff nationally and internationally to CSIR through reputation;
• Strategically develop human capital resources to ensure succession and skills transfer within the modelling, simulation, and radiometric domain;
• Strategically create human capital development pipelines through industry and university collaboration;
• Play a leading role in developing researchers and co-supervision of students;
• Take an active role in the development, mentoring, and coaching of the team to enhance the diversity of the impact area, and play a lead role in attracting, developing, and retaining talent.

Research leadership

• Lead and support engagements across public, private and international stakeholders;
• Formulate national and international research and development (R&D) strategies in collaboration with various partners;
• Serve on national and international research working groups / advisory boards / editorial boards;
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies;
• Provide thought leadership, drive business growth within the market, develop and maintain client relationships;
• Create international awareness and partnerships for CSIR digital optronics research capabilities.

Attracting funding

• Develop strategic R&D relationships at national and international scale toco-develop joint proposals to attract long term funding for R&D investment;
• Create commercialization opportunities for through industry engagement locally and internationally;
• Source and manage large interdisciplinary projects / programmes;
• Attract sufficient funds for large teams of researchers and support staff;
• Write proposals and project definitions and research business plans.

Project resource management

• Manage projects effectively;
• Generate and update work breakdown structures (WBS) and statement of works (SOW);
• Plan projects with team members (quality and completeness of project management plan including project scope, schedule, cost budget, risk analysis);
• Lead and deliver the technical deliverables that are necessary for the design, optimization, and/or commercialization of products/outputs;
• Lead and execute project technical deliverables and milestones to ensure successful delivery of new processes and/or products;
• Perform quality assurance, code review, code refactoring, and maintenance on radiometric modelling and simulation software;
• Compile research findings, reports, and other documentation(s), for both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications, Skills, And Experience

A Master’s degree in computer science, electronic/mechanical/mechatronic engineering, applied mathematics or physics, with at least fifteen years’ experience in the following:

• Research and development environment defining product application strategy, establishing client relationships, soliciting user requirements and delivering innovative solutions;
• Computer vision, sensors, electro-optics and infrared sensors systems integration and product development environment, with strong user system application development;

Must have experience in the following:

• Integration over many fields including radiometry, opto-mechatronics, sensors, cameras, and computer vision;
• User application level for deep understanding of user needs;
• Computer Vision technology and product development;
• Electro-optic system modelling and simulation;

Must have track record of:

• Application and end-user expertise of deep understanding of user needs;
• System modelling and simulation ;
• Development of video surveillance/monitoring/intelligence user application systems, including video analytics development;
• Developing research, development and innovation capabilities;
• Computer Vision Technology and Product/solutions development;
• Leadership, mentorship, and guidance of team members;
• Publications in high impact journals;

Closing date: 18 May 2023