About the position
Introduction
The primary purpose of this job is to participate in the setting of the Group's medium-to-long-term goals, and to manage the R&D Instruments' Group to produce continued progress and delivery of new novel products and instruments to ensure long-term sustainability of the Group in line with organisations vision and mandate, and divisional goals & strategy. The R&D Instruments Leader is responsible for securing and execution of annual research to the value of the order of about R10m, and the progress and delivery of new products and instruments with this research. The R&D Instruments Leader is required to manage and provide technical expertise and direction to the section in the following areas: instrumentation, electronics, mechanical design, mechatronics and advanced applied fundamental industrial chemistry. The Research Leader, together with the relevant technical experts in each area, will further give input and direction in areas of electrical & electronic technology, mechanical design and manufacture and physical separation technologies. The aspects covered under this portfolio include identification of new opportunities, business case and technical feasibility studies, specifications, construction & testing, and finally prototype industrial site demonstration. The types of products developed include both instrument hardware and process control software. The R&D Instruments Leader is recognized as a technical expert in Mintek in the areas of instruments and fundamental industrial chemistry. Credible method development and their accreditation is an essential aspect in the role.
Duties & Responsibilities
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- Makes technical decisions having an impact on the research direction and outcomes within the Division and Mintek. Developing a specialist research area. Work with complex assignments that require high levels of integration between multidisciplinary fields.
- Leads technology trends in the area of specialisation at a national level.
- Transform opportunities into proposals for funded research with limited additional input
- Operational: Find the best way to develop new technologies/instruments and/or to provide a service - Process/Discipline level
- Prepares funding proposals to personally attract funding from a variety of sources for complex projects.
- Analyses, interprets and reports on complex research outcomes and is regarded as an emerging specialist / expert. This includes reports, publications, presentations etc. at the level of national expert level
- As a decision maker be responsible for the assessment and management of all risks related to the projects / programmes under direct control.
- Prepare reports, presentations and publications at the level of an experienced professional.
- Will lead, guide, mentor and train staff under direct supervision.
- Participate in guiding the strategic direction of the business.
Desired Experience & Qualification
- PhD in a relevant Engineering or Scientific field relating to automation, sensing technology, and platform technology - related to the work of the Measurement and Control Division.
- At least 6 years' experience in research or knowledge-based organisations, of which 6 months must be in managing people, RDI and / or commercialisation.
- Evidence of prototyping, commercialisation of products and accreditation of methods will be an advantage.
- Track record of research, supported by publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, and books and chapters.
- Experience in attracting funding.
- Registration or eligibility for ECSA or SACNASP.
- Commercialisation of products at advanced TRL levels.
