Senior Researcher: Reactor Dynamics RRT at NECSA

Key Performance Areas

Knowledge Dissemination 

• Capture research work done in written format; at least as co-author in regular progress reports, annual progress reports, technical reports, local and international conference contributions and journal publications.
• Publish in the relevant field.
• Report research results orally at Necsa wide colloquia and national conferences/meetings/workshops.
• Independently perform research and generate outputs in the relevant technical field within the organization.
• Contribute to publication as primary author of peer-reviewed published works.

Human Capital Development Local and International 

• Provide training to colleagues and students in identified subjects/skills. Provide academic supervision to post-graduate students.
• Contribute as member or lead a research team with specific responsibilities.
• Contribute to capacity building, outreach events, and other community services. e.g.  Science week, science expo. 
• Co-supervise graduate projects and MSc/MEng level students, and train colleagues in area of expertise.

Contribution to NECSA business processes 

• Execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Create know-how or process development that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa, e.g Innovation Disclosures.
• Contribute to preparation of client reports e.g.  calculation or experiment.
• Coordinate defined activities as researcher in projects visible at section/group level. Contribute to project design and planning.
• Support the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that meet Necsa’s strategic and academic goals.
• Coordinate technical research projects spanning at least 1 -2 years.
• Develop proposals for new projects.

SHEQ and other audits 

• Participate and contribute in Business Process Management (eg. document management and timesheet) Systems.
• Perform activities aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.                              
• Take the lead in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.
• Assist in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.

Financial Management 

• Support achievement of budget goals and or develop project budgets as project leader.
• Increase income (e.g. Research grants like NRF Thuthuka) and reduce wasteful expenditure of research projects.
• Control cost of managed projects. Contribute to increasing research project funding availability by leveraging against potential funding streams like the NRF, TIA Seed fund, IAEA, contract research etc. 

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence
• Technical / professional competence

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and managing change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic / big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• MSc/MEng/MTech. in Science or Engineering.
• 3-4 years’ researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.

OR

• PhD in Science or Engineering.
• 0-2 years’ researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.