Principal Researcher: Pavement Engineering and Materials at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Researcher: Pavement Engineering and Materials within the Transport Infrastructure Engineering Impact Area of the Smart Mobility Cluster. The group plays a leading role in road construction materials, pavement design, road rehabilitation design and analysis methods, monitoring long-term performance of roads and road material characterisation and assessment. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical and strategic leadership to staff in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering impact area by ensuring quality scientific outputs and the professional development and transformation of the group’s scientific capacity.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence in terms of both quality and delivery.
• Lead research in the development and validation of innovative/alternative/new materials for use in road construction.
• To become recognised as an expert in the field of pavement engineering and materials and associated research, providing thought leadership.
• Networking ability both nationally and internationally, and proven networks within all aspects of transport infrastructure design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Proven contract and project management experience on medium to large-scale projects, preferably involving multi-disciplinary research and development, both in South Africa and internationally.
• Practical knowledge of, and experience in a range of research methods.
• Provide effective mentorship to other colleagues to enhance research capability within the impact area.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Masters’ degree in civil engineering; a PhD is preferable.
• Registration with a relevant professional body.

A minimum of 8 years of experience in at least five of the following fields related to road engineering:

• material behavioural sciences
• bituminous binders
• cementitious binders
• alternative binders (e.g., polymeric, nano and bio)
• asphalt technology
• concrete technology
• performance assessment and modelling
• construction and maintenance
• risk and vulnerability assessment
• field investigations
• forensic investigation
• procurement/contractual models
• asset management
• sustainability science, inclusive of climate adaptation and mitigation.
• A track record of leading studies in the fields mentioned above.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A track record in formulating development and implementation strategies.
• Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts, plans and procedures.
• Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge.
• Must have the ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently, as well as in a team.
• Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential.
• Good understanding of the transport sector in South Africa.
• Ability to carry out strategic stakeholder interactions at all levels.
• A track record in attracting and securing funding to support a team.
• Must have excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Ability to continuously disseminate research outputs in the form of technical papers and technical articles.
• Must be computer literate as well as have the ability to understand and use domain specialised software.

Closing date: 30 November 2023