Head: Water Group
Listing reference: minte_000279
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 18 September 2024
Position summary
Industry: Scientific, Research & Development
Job category: Chemistry, Physics and Biology
Location: Randburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
The position entails leading the research & development (R&D) nano-enabled adsorption and filtration technologies for water and wastewater treatment. In addition to attracting R&D funding to support research, the incumbent will also drive the commercialization of R&D outputs and outcomes that have been generated in the Unit so as to ensure the profitability and long-term sustainability of the Group. As part of the broader Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Group and the DSI/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (NIC), the incumbent will support other activities within this broader Group in line with organisational vision and mandate, and divisional goals and strategy.
Job description
- Assume the line management duties and responsibilities of the Head of Water Nanotechnology Group operating within Advanced Materials Division.
- Provide strategic direction for the Group and identify opportunities for technology development and commercialization.
- Position the Group to be internationally competitive in its R&D outputs and outcomes, including publications in reputable journals locally and internationally.
- Drive the commercialization of R&D output and outcomes both locally and internationally in order to position the Group to be one of the drivers of materials science innovation in South Africa.
- Develop annual sectional plans aligned to long term Divisional plans and contribute to implementation of organisational strategy.
- Accountable for obtaining sufficient income from, and collaboration with local and international funding agencies, in line with Division’s general long- term objectives.
- Ensure long-term sustainability of the Group by ensuring innovative and relevant R&D is undertaken to produce new technologies and products.
- Plan and schedule available resources to ensure business and R&D goals are achieved.
- Provide specialist mentorship and training to all Group staff and others in the Division.
- Ensure continuous growth and the provision of specialised training of staff to ensure the professional skills are acquired to develop, deliver and support value-added material products and technologies.
- Keep up to date at a nationally competitive level with all technologies and business in the Group's work, and partially in other Groups of the Division.
- Keep up-to-date at a professional level with technology and business developments that are relevant to the Division’s interests.
- Manage operational risks and follow all SHEQ requirements.
Minimum requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum: MSc/MEng in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Nanoscience or Chemical engineering
- Ideally, a PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Nanoscience or Chemical engineering
- Business qualification will be an added advantage
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Exposure to the commercialization of R&D outcomes.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in Materials Science R&D, 5 years of which in a leadership position.
- At least 5 years’ experience in materials synthesis, process design and product development.
- Experience in polymer functionalization will be an added advantage.
- 10 years’ technical competency at national and international levels – the incumbent should be a technical expert and provide an overall consultant/advisory role.
- The position requires extensive experience in business development, innovation management, technology management and commercialisation both locally and internationally.
- Human resource management, financial management, project management, business administration.