Research Scientist at De Beers Group

Job Description:

De Beers Technology SA supports and improves the upstream operations of the De Beers Group by the conception, research, design and supply of diamond industry specific technology. Many of these technology solutions have their foundations in our ability to understand and apply the science behind them. This knowledge and experience leads to an innovative approach to problem solving and is an important input into all phases of a product’s metamorphosis from idea to commercial application. Our deep understanding is often viewed by our customers as an important differentiating factor when comparing our technology offerings to our competitors.

The Scientist provides the capacity to solve scientific and machine learning problems to satisfy the requirements of De Beers SA technology development and business improvement projects.

Your role will:

• Utlilise knowledge to deliver R&D expertise to De Beers Technology SA in line with the R&D portfolio and in support of deployed equipment. Input relating to new excitation and detection systems would be a specific focus of this role.
• Applies new and current excitation and detection systems in novel ways to diamond sorting and ore analysis applications.
• Gathers and analyses data from new and current detection systems to improve current and develop novel ways of data processing in diamond sorting and ore analysis applications.
• Performs research into excitation and detection systems for future business applications. 
• Is responsible for:
  • The successful delivery of R&D solutions to technical problems posed.
  • Written and verbally presented Technical Reports.
  • Growing in the De Beers Ignite SA Scientific and Machine Learning network. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum qualification is an appropriate Masters Degree in Physics or Engineering, or equivalent.

Experience:

Experience in any of the following will be advantageous:

• Experimentation with real-world detection and excitation systems.
• X-ray, computer vision or laser systems.
• Machine learning and algorithm development and implementation.
• Image and data acquisition.
• Software coding (for example Matlab, Python or LabVIEW).

Application/Energy:

• High degree of self-motivation, energy, ownership and proactivity.
• Resilient and tenacious, with a propensity to persevere.
• See opportunities in difficult situations.
• Eager, curious, unselfish, genuine, patient and accountable.
• Have a passion for technology, with a keenness to learn and develop. 

Knowledge and Technical Skills specific to the role:

• Understanding of excitation and detection systems: e.g. optics, scintillators, filters, cameras, spectroscopy and detectors from X-rays to IR, as well as multispectral combinations of these.
• Aptitude for signal and image processing, machine learning, computer vision, data acquisition, pattern recognition, statistics, applied mathematics and optimization.
• Interfacing with sensors and data collection.
• Understanding of R&D processes.
• Basic understanding of organising, planning, and monitoring in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Hands on, practical mind-set and ability.
• Questioning and improvement driven mindset with an ability to work independently.
• Attention to detail. 

Social Processing Skills:

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment, with specification flexibility and change.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to and communicate with senior and junior employees.
• Ability to excel in cross-functional product development teams.
• Ability to effectively build and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders including colleagues, managers, senior business and technical leaders and suppliers.
• Ability to work across disciplines and in collaboration with colleagues in or from other business areas.
• Co-operation, communication and collaboration skills that promote effective teamwork.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Customer focus.