Chief Scientist: Mineralogy Group at Mintek

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Assist Head/Divisional manager to maintain and expand on project work from the mining/metallurgical industry and related research agencies, in line with Division’s current business plans, by providing competence and professional expertise, and interacting with clients,collaborators and potential partners.
• Ascertain needs of clients and the industry and propose appropriate project work, both research and commercial oriented. Identify opportunities for innovation and commercialisation.
• Lead and execute projects in which interactions with stakeholders (internal and external) are required at an advanced level of technical expertise. This will involve algorithm/software development to extract appropriate information, and modelling, simulation and interpretation of mineral behaviour in processing and other environments using, primarily, mineralogical inputs.
• Train, supervise and technically mentor the staff in the group, so as to improve technical quality and turnaround times, and promote innovative outcomes, thus enhancing the value proposition of the group to clients and collaborators.
• Leads technology trends in mineralogy research at a national and international level.
• Execute projects so as to meet the time scheduling agreed to with client/stakeholder, contain costs for the Division and deliver valid conclusions with technical efficiency and professionalism.
• Comply with the internal administration requirements of Mintek and the Mineralogy Division with respect to labour and machine time capture, business governance, professional reporting, project planning and management.
• Develop protocols/workflows for optimal operation and performance of specialised imaging equipment.
• Ensure that QES procedures are followed, and project work is executed to produce valid conclusions and with maximum overall efficiency - technically and financially.
• Ensure that the documentation of work and procedures is appropriately captured and produce advanced professional level reports, publications, and conference contributions.

Leadership

• Makes decisions having major impact on the research direction and outcomes at national level.
• Lead multiple highly complex assignments/projects that require high levels of integration and specialised
  knowledge and skills, as well as strong guidance to subordinates to deliver impact.
• Exercise a high degree of foresight, creativity and judgement based on firm scientific / engineering
  principles to ensure that large research projects / programmes are planned and guided to deliver
  significant novelty and importance.
• Leads optimisation projects at national and international level.
• Leads technology trends in mineralogy research at a national and international level.

Strategy

• Needs to interpret the organisational strategy to ensure that research is aligned with the organisational strategic choices.
• Assess the environment to determine opportunities for research.
• Develop new concepts, models and approaches as an individual technical authority/contributor.

Financial Stability

• Prepares large funding proposals (R 1 million or higher) to personally attract funding from a variety of sources for highly complex projects. 
• Ensure an external revenue contribution to support the activities of the research group.

Execution, People and planning

• Analyses and executes coordinated research addressing complex and often unique problems that are encountered by the specific industry sector.
• Analyses, interprets and reports on highly complex research outcomes and is regarded as a national expert in a broad field, or an international expert in a specialized field.
• Management of large multiyear projects and programmes, including resource and execution planning.

Governance and Risk Management

• As a decision maker be responsible for the assessment and management of all risks related to the 
  projects/programmes under direct control.
• Responsible for technical signoff of the work of junior staff.
• Responsible for significant equipment/facilities and their procurement/maintenance.

Relationship Management and Reporting

• Work independently and provide instruction to subordinates and junior staff. Receive no additional guidance and instruction on unusual and complex problems.
• Prepare reports, presentations and publications at the level of a national / international expert.
• Will lead, guide, mentor and train staff and will supervise post-graduate students.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific field relating to the Discipline (science or engineering)
• At least 10 years’ experience in the field of data analysis and modelling, directly related to the
  duties and responsibilities specified.
• SACNASP or ECSA registered.
• Fundamental knowledge of operating in a laboratory environment. Any experience with image
  analysis and research equipment is advantageous.
• Advanced knowledge of research principles and methodologies across disciplines.
• Knowledge of advanced data analysis, methods, and techniques.
•  Proven research track record