Research Group Leader : Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Pretoria is seeking a Research Group Leader for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The role involves providing strategic leadership, managing a multi-disciplinary team, and driving research projects in blockchain technologies. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in the field, along with strong project management skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry while shaping the future of technology.

Qualifications

• At least six years’ experience in blockchain or cryptocurrency-related technologies.
• Experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions.
• Proven track record in project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research group focused on blockchain and DLT projects.
• Drive technology transfer to industry.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects related to cryptocurrency analytics.

Skills

Project Management skills

Excellent communication

Conflict management skills

Business Development

Thought leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering or related field

Job description

Job title : Research Group Leader : Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)

Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline : December 13, 2025

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About the job :

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader : DLT in the Emerging Digital Technologies for fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster.

The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities :

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and / or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• Propose and / or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems / enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systemsrequirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the fields expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and off-chain data, and related blockchain protocols.

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio :

• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry / user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience :

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science / engineering, information technology or related field with at least six years’ experience in blockchain / distributed ledger or cryptocurrency-related technologies within a Research Development and Innovation environment;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international Research Development and Innovation networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.