CSIR Niist Vacancies – Research Group Leader

Job Description:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: Energy Systems in the Energy Centre, within the Smart Places 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• 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;
• 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;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines working in the field of energy systems and the role of energy modelling, power system operation and smart grids in the transition towards renewable energy;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of the group (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the group;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;

Job Requirements:

• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Experience in energy research and the transition of the energy system to more sustainable energy sources as may include renewable energy, systems integration, thermal energy and energy carries such as hydrogen;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Recognised expertise as a specialist in the field of Energy Research;
• Conflict management skills;
• Project Management skills.
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• A Masters degree in Science or engineering in energy related fields with at least five years’ experience in Energy Research within an RDI environment. Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD and a successful incumbent that does not yet have a PhD will need to commit to the completion of a PhD in an agreed timeframe;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks

Job Details:

Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Vacancy Type:  Full Time

Job Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, SA

Application Deadline: N/A

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