Research Group Leader: Airborne/Landwards Special Operations at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Technology for Special Operations (TSO) impact area, within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to the Airborne/Landwards Special Operations research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/technology-for –special-operations and https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security respectively.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the impact area;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines such as electronics, mechanical, computing, radiometry, modeling, simulation, testing and evaluation;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• 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 fields  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 Master’s degree in engineering, technology or science with at least five years’ experience as an engineer, technologist or scientist in Defence related Research Development and Innovation environment;
• A Doctoral degree will be advantageous;
• Professional Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or Technologist will be advantageous;
• Proven track record of translating user requirements into engineering specifications;
• Proven track record of delivering engineering outputs on schedule and within budget;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Experience in systems engineering and product lifecycle management (PLM) will be an added advantage;
• Sound understanding of the Department of Defence (DOD) technology acquisition processes;
• Sound understanding of the DOD security systems;
• An understanding of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the role of Special Forces (especially airborne, landwards and urban operations) will be an advantage;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Business development and financial acumen;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills;
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain;
• Must have a valid driver’s license and existing or eligible for Department of Defence (DOD) security clearance;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking and decision-making, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal, written communication and presentation, diverse and dynamic team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management – includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, collaborating, multi-disciplinary knowledge; configuration management.