Chief Researcher / Engineer: Laser Additive Manufacturing (PHD Degree Reqd) - Ref: 1027279-3

Join this world-class African research and development organisation geared to solve Africa’s problems today and in the future.
Work with the smartest, most highly skilled and educated professionals in their respected fields that ensure all their programs and initiatives are well-supported and well-funded.
In this research-driven, innovative, dream-big environment, the career path offered will ensure exposure to different industries and partners; as well as the finest research and conference invitations both locally and internationally.

Position details:

Undertake research within the area of Laser-based Metal Additive Manufacturing, with a focus on powder-bed fusion;
Produce high quality research outputs from this research;
Provide research leadership for the Laser Enabled Manufacturing group;
Write funding proposals to generate funding for the group;
Supervise and support junior staff including Masters and Doctoral students within this subject area.

Country: South Africa
Location: Pretoria

Job Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• Physical metallurgy - specific expertise in the physical metallurgy of titanium will be a recommendation
• Thermal and residual stress management
• Laser/metal interaction
• Process monitoring know-how
• Development of kilowatt laser beam delivery systems
• Project management

A Doctoral degree in materials science or physical metallurgy with at least 5 - ten years’ post-doctoral research experience;
Must have attracted some good level funding to cover own research costs and that of a large (greater than 10) group of scientists or engineers;
Must have supervised masters and doctoral students;
Proven track record / 5 - ten years’ experience in laser-based metal additive manufacturing R&D which specifically includes titanium and titanium alloys;

Skills should include:
Proven track record / five years’ experience in managing multi-disciplinary R&D teams in the field of laser metal additive manufacturing including both process and system development;
Preferably have a proven track record of industrialization and commercialization of Laser Metal Additive Manufacturing offerings - systems, processes, components;
A record of research outputs that demonstrates publications in the area;
Strong leadership skills and experience of managing a group of researchers;
Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
Preferably two international patents in laser additive manufacturing or laser processing;
Preferably (advantageous) have a proven track record of industrialization and commercialization of Laser Metal Additive Manufacturing offerings, systems, processes, components.

Company Description:

Africa's premier research and knowledge organisation offering fast-tracked career development through further advanced studies and the career satisfaction of creating the innovations and technology of tomorrow. They pride themselves on being a world-class African research and development organisation that is geared to solving Africa's and South Africa's problems today and in the future. They undertake directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation that contributes to the improved quality of life of South Africans and Africans. And the key issues that they address through various interventions include: creating a vibrant economy and employment opportunities; as well as contributing to the development of economic and social infrastructure like transport, energy, water resources and ICT networks. They look for the smartest, highly skilled and highly educated in their respected fields and ensure that all their programs and initiatives are well-supported and well-funded. In this research-driven, innovative, dream-big environment, the stellar career path they offer will ensure exposure to different industries and partners. As well as the finest research and conference invitations both locally and internationally.