Head: Water Group

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Laboratory Work

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

To manage the research & development (R&D) and commercialization of the outcomes of the Water Nanotechnology Group. 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 organizational vision and mandate, and divisional goals and strategy.

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum: MSc/MEng. (Chemistry or Chemical engineering)
• Ideally, a PhD (Chemistry or Chemical engineering) or equivalent
• Business qualification will be an added advantage 

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Exposure to the commercialization of R&D outcomes.
• The position requires extensive experience in business development, innovation management, technology management and commercialisation both locally and internationally.
• 10 years t echnical competency at national and international levels – the incumbent should be a technical expert and provide an overall consultant/advisory role.
• Human resource management, financial management, project management, business administration.