Chief Researcher-GMP Formulation (Hay level 18/D3) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas:

Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process.
• This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organization on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa at conferences, seminars and workshops; both domestically and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. NRF rating, Honorary Researchers, Member in Science Committees, Invited Speakers, etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialization.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP.
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and Graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2 – 3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI).
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) Representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline Manager and its Associated Responsibilities, Licencing an Operational Compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiative to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/Departmental Strategic and Revenue Targets.

Job Requirements

Key Knowledge & Skills 

Necsa Group expert in Radiopharmacy.

• Excellent working knowledge of Regulatory Guidelines related to radiopharmaceutical activities
• Proven applicable Soft skills
• Provide education and training related to radiopharmacy for GMP personnel
• Technical/professional competence.
• Competently perform a quality assurance role for the facility.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Risk management.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and Managing Change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic/big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• MSc (Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology) or MPharm.

 Experience:

• 6-8 years’ experience in a chemistry/pharmacy field of which
• 2 years must be in a radiopharmaceutical laboratory and
• 3 years demonstrated experience in facilitating the operation, maintenance and compliance of a GMP facility.

 Closing date:  31 July 2026