Principal Scientist at Mintek

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in mineral processing is seeking a Principal Scientist to drive research and innovation within the Mineralogy Division. The role demands extensive experience, advanced qualifications, and the ability to lead diverse projects, ensuring technical efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. Successful candidates will have a substantial impact on the expansion of the division's capabilities and market opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years' experience in mineral processing and data analysis.
• Fundamental knowledge of operating in a process environment.
• Advanced knowledge of research principles and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute projects with advanced technical expertise.
• Identify and propose project opportunities to enhance visibility.
• Train and mentor staff for improved technical quality.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Excellent oral communication

Excellent written communication

Project management

Skills transfer

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific field

Job description

Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal Scientist within the Mineralogy Division. The incumbent will work to identify suitable research, and provide the information needed to capacitate the Division for future market needs, whether for research or commercial service. The incumbent will actively seek new income and opportunities for intellectual capital development.
Duties & Responsibilities
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Assist the Head/Divisional manager in maintaining and expanding project work from the mining/ metallurgical industry and related research agencies, in line with the Division's current business plans, by providing competence and professional expertise and interacting with clients, collaborators, and potential partners.
• Ascertain the needs of clients and the industry and propose appropriate project work to enhance visibility and credibility through executing quality presentations and publications.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and commercialisation.
• Lead and execute projects requiring advanced technical expertise to interact with stakeholders (internal and external). This will involve extracting appropriate information to interpret mineral behaviour in processing and other environments using mineralogical inputs and writing reports.
• Enhance the competitive offering by contributing meaningfully to the technical output of the
  team.
• Train and technically mentor the group's staff to improve technical quality and turnaround times and promote innovative outcomes, thus enhancing the group's value proposition to clients and collaborators.
• Execute projects according to the schedule agreed to with the client/stakeholder, contain costs for the Division, and deliver valid conclusions with technical efficiency and professionalism.
• Comply with the internal administration requirements of Mintek and the Mineralogy Division for labour and machine time capture, business governance, professional reporting, project planning and management.
• Develop protocols/workflows for optimal operation and performance of specialised imaging equipment.
• Ensure that QES procedures are followed and project work is executed to produce valid conclusions and with maximum overall technical and financial efficiency.
• Ensure that the documentation of work and procedures is appropriately captured and produce advanced professional-level reports, publications, and conference contributions.

Desired Experience & Qualification
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 6 years' experience in mineral processing and data analysis directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Fundamental knowledge of operating in a process environment. Any experience with data analysis and research equipment is advantageous.
• Advanced knowledge of research principles and methodologies.
• Knowledge of advanced data analysis, methods, and techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a relevant scientific field relating to the Discipline (science or engineering)

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Professionalism and work ethic
• Self-awareness and self-management
• Attention to detail
• Project and resource management skills
• Skills transfer through supervision, training, technical leadership and mentorship