Job Vacancies at Mintek

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Perform the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, applied research and technology development, technology transfer and commercialisation.
• Provide technical leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Division.
• Provide technical leadership in formulating and executing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments that require integration of specialist knowledge and skills, and function as the key technical resource in the Division.
• Providing expert and specialist support in the planning, demonstration, and managing complex pilot scale demonstration projects.
• Develop and write proposals for new R&D projects to drive the establishment and sustenance of world-class RDI infrastructure, research programmes, and human capital capacity at Mintek.
• Providing full administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating procurement processes for RDI infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
• Contribute to the visibility and credibility of the Division through building and sustaining long-term collaborations with industrial and academic partners, both locally and globally.
• Provide disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assessment and guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Strong pyrometallurgical testwork planning and execution capabilities, with the ability to develop bespoke experimental techniques, models and prototypes from first principles up to pilot scale demonstration.
• Strong fundamental understanding of refractory materials properties and their integration in furnace design philosophy.
• Demonstrable ability to conceptualize and manage complex RDI projects and take ideas from concept to market.
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes and flowsheets using thermochemical software tools such as HSC Chemistry™ and FactSage™.
• A strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI-rated journals
• Demonstrated ability to attract industry and/or bilateral research funding is highly advantageous.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Professional registration is an added advantage.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.

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KEY PERFOMANCE INDICATORS:

• The candidate is aware of trends in the relevant field, and can formulate ideas relating to technical projects, frame and develop research questions, design experiments, identify problems, and evaluate and implement solutions.
• Play a leading role in the execution of work as a chief investigator of projects, within the division/group.
• Operational: Establish specifications, improve workflows, and introduce operating procedures – project level.

Commercial

• Prepare proposals under direct/limited supervision to Client satisfaction.
• Design, operate and oversee discipline specific experimental work as required by Proposals and ensure that procedures are complied with, and quality control and continual improvement are applied.
• Collect and interpret data at a quantitative and qualitative level using discipline specific standard methodologies and procedures. Including the preparation of analytical and descriptive narratives.
  Ensure that the interpretation is based on sound scientific / engineering theory.
• Plan and manage projects to ensure efficient use of time, equipment and facilities, including coordinating with others.
• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies, promote continual improvement in the workplace.
• Ensure that the project team understands and adheres to all SHEQ requirements
• As a Principal Investigator, responsible for the assessment and management of all risks at a project level.
• May be responsible for equipment / facilities.

 Research and Development

•  Contribute to the strategic direction of the division through generation of new project ideas
• Prepare proposals under direct/limited supervision, including Open Call proposals.
• Perform routine scientific and engineering research using standard methods, procedures and equipment.
• Perform complex scientific and engineering research under supervision.
• Contributor to IP development.

Minimum requirements

• Min: MEng or MSc(Eng), preceded by BSc(Eng) or BEng in Chemical Engineering
• At least 3 – 5 years vocational experience following first graduation, in Hydrometallurgy / Biometallurgy.
• Exposure to, and an understanding of heap leaching and bioleaching.
• Exposure to and an understanding of mine waste challenges, treatment and value recovery.
• Ideal: SACNASP or ECSA registered.