Head: Innovation Management at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The main purpose of this role is to develop and implement strategies and initiatives that will advance the commercialization of innovative technologies and methods arising from SARAO projects (such as SKA, MeerKAT and HartRAO), and related research and development programs. Working with key stakeholders, the role will also support advancement of commercialisation of innovative technologies and methods arising from NRF national facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establishing an innovation value proposition for SARAO that maximises socio-economic impact arising from investments in radio astronomyDeveloping and implementing interventions that support and drive the establishment of an innovation ecosystem within SARAO, and other NRF national facilities and stakeholders, as relevantExploiting opportunities and partnerships to enhance and enable innovationEnsuring the delivery and execution of an innovation lifecycle that identifies and delivers SARAO developed intellectual property and innovation products to market, and extracts value for SARAO, through appropriate programs, mechanisms, partnerships and vehiclesWorking with internal stakeholders, drive enterprise development as a strategic intervention for socio-economic development in the Karoo, as may be required

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 12-12 years

• Masters degree in engineering or technology related fields; andDegree in a business related fieldTwelve years within a commercial technology development and innovation environment, of which five years shall include executive management and commercialisation experience

Experience:

• Commercial contracting and negotiationTechnology innovation and managementDelivering of innovation products and services to market

Knowledge:

• Broad understanding of technologies (and emerging technologies)Understanding of intellectual property and licensing issuesUnderstanding of the applicable regulatory environmentStrong strategic, financial and commercial know-howEstablishment and functioning of a Technology Transfer Office

Additional Notes:
Ability to deliver new products to marketAbility to manage technology innovationAbility to negotiate complex contracting models and instrumentsAbility to navigate complex strategic, financial and commercial environments to develop appropriate solutions to progress innovation, commercialisation and technology transferAbility to define and implement business processes and tolls within an organisationsDemonstrable ability in delivering complex, multi-faceted projects that combine objectives in technology development, influencing people and commercial outcomesAbility to manage a team of specialistsThe NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.