Research Group Leader: Biorefinery at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About The Job
The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Biomanufacturing Technologies (BT) impact area within Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a team of scientists and engineers in developing and exploiting new knowledge, technologies and human capital to enable renewed development in the forest and waste biomass sectors. This position is based in Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact, and robustness of the biorefinery group including strategy, Research and Development (R&D) goals, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization;
• Lead a team of scientists, engineers, students, and interns to build and maintain a critical mass of skills in Biorefinery product and process development; ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide multi-disciplinary RDI leadership;
• Ensure that the Biorefinery team is dynamic, remains abreast of S&T and industry trends and remains innovative and internationally competitive in cutting edge R&D;
• Build networks with peers in the fields of expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• 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 and assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions for these client programmes;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Ensure that SET outputs are achieved; deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, financials, quality, health and safety as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial and business systems requirements;
• Provide technical support to business development activities and participate in client interactions, wwork closely with the Business Development and Commercialisation team to develop and package technologies for commercialisation;
• Performance management of the staff members in collaboration with the Biomanufacturing Technologies impact area manager;
• Be competent in and develop skills in process flow-sheeting, process integration, process optimisation, techno-economic assessment, process modelling and technology packages;
• Manage infrastructure and equipment and the necessary set-up, implementation, commissioning, and safety of unit operations;
• Ensure appropriate best practice and compliance with agreed quality and safety standards such as GLP, GMP, and execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to required performance requirements.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Doctoral degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, with at least five years’ in a technology leadership role in product and product development, preferably in a Biorefinery environment or within industry in product and process development and commercialisation;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Professional registration will be advantageous;
• A track record in successful technology development, transfer and implementation is essential;
• Good people skills and experience in mentoring is essential;
• Experience and a track record in securing funding for R&D projects in the public and private sector;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Business development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, research and report writing skills;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Ability to convert industry/clients’ requirements to technical deliverables;
• Ability to understand complete integration of technology to produce a functional product;
• Problem solving, facilitation and interpersonal skills in a goal-oriented approach;
• Conflict management skills, decisiveness, and action orientation;
• Appropriate national and international RD&I networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.