Manager:CRM and Technology Support (Hay level 19/D4) (Internal & External) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas:

Technology Development and Innovation

• Develop and implement the laboratory technology development strategy.
• Lead scientific research aimed at developing new analytical technologies, certified reference materials (CRMs), laboratory products and scientific services.
• Identify emerging technologies with commercial potential.
• Drive technology transfer from research to commercial application.
• Evaluate new technologies for adoption within laboratory operations.
• Lead product feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects.
• Develop intellectual property, patents and proprietary laboratory methodologies.
• Publish scientific papers and present research at national and international conferences.
• Promote innovation through collaboration with universities, research institutions and industry.

Product Development and Commercialisation

• Lead the development of new laboratory products and scientific services.
• Establish product development processes from concept through commercial launch.
• Conduct market research to identify customer requirements.
• Develop business cases for new products.
• Manage pilot production and product validation.
• Coordinate product registration where applicable.
• Develop product specifications and technical documentation.
• Monitor product performance after commercial release.
• Support continuous product improvement.

Laboratory Operations and Technical Management

• Ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Ensure that labs have necessary accreditations (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation) and certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, cGMP, GLP, etc.).
• Ensure laboratory compliance with SANAS, NNR, SAHPRA and other applicable regulations.
• Put in place a system for development and validation new analytical methods.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains operational and technologically current.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programmes.
• Ensure technical competence of laboratory personnel.
• Approve technical reports and facilitate publication thereof.
• Monitor laboratory performance indicators including Turnaround Time (TAT), quality and productivity.

Business Development and Customer Support

• Identify new business opportunities.
• Develop strategic partnerships.
• Prepare technical proposals and tender responses.
• Secure external funding for technology development.
• Build relationships with industrial, government and international clients.
• Facilitate and at times lead commercial business negotiations.
• Promote laboratory products and capabilities.
• Prepare and manage marketing initiatives such as exhibitions and scientific events.

Human Capital

• Lead multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Develop staff competencies.
• Drive succession planning.
• Mentor scientists and technologists.
• Conduct performance management.
• Promote knowledge transfer.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement.

Financial and Resource Management

• Prepare annual operational and capital budgets.
• Manage laboratory expenditure.
• Optimise utilisation of laboratory resources.
• Ensure financial sustainability.
• Monitor project profitability.
• Develop investment proposals for new technologies. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• ISO/IEC 17025
• ISO 9001
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Technology readiness levels (TRLs)
• Product lifecycle management
• Technology commercialisation
• Intellectual Property Management
• Research and Development methodologies
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• SANAS requirements
• Nuclear regulatory framework
• Occupational Health and Safety legislation
• PFMA and corporate governance
• Strategic planning
• Financial management

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Leadership competencies
• Product development
• Technology transfer
• Research leadership
• Scientific method development
• Experimental design
• Validation and verification
• Statistical data analysis
• Laboratory information systems
• Quality management systems
• Instrumentation management
• Technical report writing
• Proposal development
• Market analysis
• Innovation management

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Masters degree in Chemistry/Physics/Analytical Science/Materials Science/Nuclear Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• PhD will be an added advantage.
• Registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) or equivalent professional body.
• Registration as a Radiation Worker and/or Chemical Worker where applicable.

Experience: 

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a scientific laboratory.
• At least 5 years in laboratory or research management.
• Demonstrated experience in technology development.
• Experience in product development and commercialisation.
• Experience in managing accredited laboratories.
• Experience in business development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience in implementing management systems such as Quality.
• Proven experience securing research or commercial funding