Head of Pyrometallurgy Tech & RDI Leadership

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

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.