CSIR Current Vacancies – Research Group Leader

Job Description:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Biomanufacturing Technologies (BT) impact area within Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a team of scientists and engineers in developing and exploiting new knowledge, technologies and human capital to enable renewed development in the forest and waste biomass sectors. This position is based in Durban.

Job Responsibilities:

• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support to business development activities and participate in client interactions, wwork closely with the Business Development and Commercialisation team to develop and package technologies for commercialisation;
• Lead a team of scientists, engineers, students, and interns to build and maintain a critical mass of skills in Biorefinery product and process development; ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure that the Biorefinery team is dynamic, remains abreast of S&T and industry trends and remains innovative and internationally competitive in cutting edge R&D;
• Build networks with peers in the fields of expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact, and robustness of the biorefinery group including strategy, Research and
• Development (R&D) goals, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI and assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions for these client programmes;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial and business systems requirements;
• Ensure that SET outputs are achieved; deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, financials, quality, health and safety as per agreed targets;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide multi-disciplinary RDI leadership;

Job Requirements:

• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation;
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, research and report writing skills;
• Business development and financial acumen;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Good people skills and experience in mentoring is essential;
• Experience and a track record in securing funding for R&D projects in the public and private sector;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Professional registration will be advantageous;
• A Doctoral degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, with at least five years’ in a technology leadership role in product and product development, preferably in a
• Biorefinery environment or within industry in product and process development and commercialisation;
• Ability to understand complete integration of technology to produce a functional product;
• Ability to convert industry/clients’ requirements to technical deliverables;
• A track record in successful technology development, transfer and implementation is essential;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Job Details:

Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Vacancy Type:  Full Time

Job Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, SA

Application Deadline: N/A

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