Head: New Technology (Pyrometallurgy) - Re-advertised at Mintek

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek seeks a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The role provides specialist support for development, demonstration, and commercialisation of Mintek’s products and services, with emphasis on human capital development and inclusion.

The successful candidate will guide strategic leadership, multidisciplinary teams, and international collaborations to advance RDI programmes and risk governance within a world-class division.

Qualifications

• 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 bespoke techniques, models and prototypes.
• Track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in computational methods, refractory materials, and technology demonstration.
• Ability to manage complex RDI projects from concept to market.
• Experience with thermochemical software tools such as HSC Chemistry and FactSage.
• A strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI journals.

Responsibilities

• Perform the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, applied research and technology development, technology transfer and commercialisation.
• Provide strategic leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies.
• Provide technical leadership in disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments for the Division.
• Support planning, demonstration, and management of complex pilot-scale projects.
• Develop proposals for new R&D projects to sustain world-class RDI infrastructure and programmes.
• Provide administrative support, including procurement processes for RDI projects.
• Contribute to human capital development through coaching and postgraduate supervision.
• Build collaborations with industrial and academic partners locally and globally.
• Provide guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

Skills

Pyrometallurgy

Leadership

Pilot-scale design

Testwork planning

Multidisciplinary teams

HSC Chemistry

FactSage

Research funding

Proposal writing

Technology transfer

Education

Master of Engineering (Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical)

PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Professional registration

Postgraduate supervision experience

Tools

HSC Chemistry

FactSage

Job description

Introduction

Mintek seeks to appoint a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidate will provide specialist support in the development, demonstration and commercialisation of products and services developed by Mintek. Contributing to human capital development and willingness to work towards a common purpose, with a strong sense of equity and inclusion, are non-negotiable attributes of the role.

Duties & Responsibilities

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 strategic 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.

Desired Experience & Qualification

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.
• Track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in specialist research areas such as computational methods in engineering and process design, refractory materials design and characterisation, and technology and process demonstration.
• 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 Master of Engineering degree in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• A PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development is a definite advantage.
• Professional registration is an added advantage.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impact research.
• Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required
• Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high-level international stakeholders
• Excellent writing and presentation skills