Research Group Leader: Information and Cyber Security Centre at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development, and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Technically, operationally and strategically lead researchers, technologies 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 research group 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, financial sustainability, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, information technology or equivalent with at least five years’ experience in research, technology development, operations management, and/or leadership of technical projects including people;
• A Doctoral degree and cybersecurity certifications will be an advantage
• During the above years of experience, record of:
  • Project and technical management
  • People and performance management
  • Financial management
  • Business development
  • Human capital development
  • Contract management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Technology innovation and commercialisation
  • Research dissemination and publications
• 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;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• 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;
• Knowledge in cybersecurity inclusive of information security;
• South African Citizen in necessary as a Security Clearance is required for this position.