Research Group Leader: Advanced Functional Materials at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: Advanced Functional Materials in the Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM), within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy of the group;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the advanced functional materials group;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines such as nanodrug delivery systems, nanocosmetics formulation, bioconjugates, polymer modification and synthesis, supercritical encapsulation technology, nano-micro emulsion systems and spray-drying, and soft nanohybrid systems;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge work and is relevant to potential funders;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the field and expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering material sciences or related fields with at least five years’ experience in technologies domain research within an RDI environment;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record of scientific publications in the field of Advanced Healthcare Materials;
• Proven track record of generating and protecting IPs;
• Proven track record in the commercialization of technology and management of industry-funded projects;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Proven experience in obtaining External public and private sector funding;
• Communication, presentation skills, research, and report writing skills;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualization;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Ability to convert industry/clients requirements to technical deliverables;
• Ability to understand the complete integration of technology to produce a functional product or solution;
• Problem-solving, facilitation and interpersonal skills in a goal-oriented approach;
• Strong Project Management skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 28 August 2023