Research Group Leader - Pretoria Verfied

Salary Negotiable Pretoria, Gauteng Pretoria, Gauteng more than 14 days ago 24-07-2015 12:07:13 PM
21-08-2015 12:07:13 PM
Our client requires the services of a suitably qualified, well-motivated and results driven candidate to take up the role of a Research Group Leader - Smart Systems (X2)

Purpose of the roles

1) Research Group Leader- Smart Systems Acquisition Support

To grow the acquisition support portfolio in company projects relevant to the Command and Control, GBADS/JAD, Interoperability, Integrated Capability Management and ICT using modeling and simulation, systems and software engineering, concept development & experimentation and extend the SET capability base beyond these

2) Research Group Leader- Smart Systems Concept Development

Grow the C2 technology, interoperability, integrated capability management, concept development portfolios in company projects where concept development and experimentation is required to understand system life cycles, doctrine, operational effectiveness, using modelling and simulation, systems and software engineering and by extending the SET capability base beyond these.


Description of responsibilities:

Technical Expertise:

Provide thought leadership on an ongoing basis through publications in journals, conferences, book chapters, technical reports and technology demonstrators

Leadership and Strategic Direction:

Lead the research group to contribute and deliver on the competency area strategy
Implement business plan for operation, sustainable growth and robustness of the research group (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances) and ensure that the research group remains a national leader in its field
Effective communication and motivation of staff
Promote a culture of SET excellence (quality and delivery) and provide research leadership;
Offer direction and advice to fellow researchers
Lead researchers in a research group, and provide leadership to researchers and technical staff, aiming at stimulating growth
Interact with peers within fields of expertise both within and outside the company, build commercial connections and expand current partnership in the C2 field.

Leadership and Strategic Direction - Identification of Strategic Projects:

Investigate funding possibilities on iDERI capabilities building projects

Knowledge Application and Impact - Attend relevant conference in C2 and M&S environments:

Report back on latest trends and developments

Knowledge Application and Impact - Collaboration with University Education Departments:

Ensure working partnership with contract R&D leadership for SET competence development
Contact related University institutions, and set up possible collaboration committees

Knowledge Application and Impact - Promote C2, M&S and Interoperability to grow MCM HCD &HR:

Use the IDERI and leverage the IDE

Human capital development - raising personal, team and institutional profiles through publishing original research and presenting work at national and international conferences and workshops:

Offer direction and advice to fellow researchers.

Responsible in managing human capital development via focused project work, liaison with tertiary education institutions, and career ladder management. Human capital development by ensuring staff development, strategic HCD (profiles, capacity and development)

Manage bursaries and scholarships for human capital development
Set up development programs for junior staff
Human capital development -Overseeing application of Parliamentary Grant to enhance the technical strength of the group

Manage staff that receives PG grants to develop their technical strengths and profiles

Project, contract and client management – consistent monthly reporting with acceptable content and quality

Presentations to CCIW monthly meetings and to theCAM's satisfaction

Project, contract and client management – monthly monitoring of RG staff productivity by timeously approving all timesheets

Results reported to the monthly projects and finance meeting

Project, Contract and Client Management – Effective and Satisfactory Management of overheads within the RG

Ensure the effective use of the resource base across resource skills, capabilities, capacity and all contracts/projects. Resource assignments must take individual career growth, transformation and development into account
Performance evaluation and management of resources
Business development and marketing to ensure short, medium and long term sustainability of the group
Development of local and international markets
Project and company’s asset management
Configuration and quality management compliance on internal and external contracts
Manage company’s and third party equipment and facilities
Financial planning and budgeting, feedback-quarterly and final financial year reporting
Adhere to corporate governance in terms of financial, labour, procurement and environmental laws, regulations and policies (EHS, OHS, Security)
Manage intellectual property creation and transfer in accordance with contracts, regulations and policies

Qualification and Experience required:

A minimum of Master’s degree in computer engineering or computer science
At least between three to five years’ relevant working experience in an engineering/scientist management role
Master’s degree in business administration would be advantageous
Project and contract management experience

Knowledge and experience in:

Command and control technologies
Integrated capability management
Interoperability-in a military context
ICT (telecommunications as command and control enabler
Modelling and simulation and decision support
Armscor acquisition processes
SANDF processes, approaches and philosophies
Systems engineering methodologies, processes and approaches

Required skills:

Analytical skills
Management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication
Experience in mentoring and coaching colleagues
Ability to work independently or in a team in an unstructured way
Ability to take ownership of careers and development of a team of engineers and scientists
Technically proficient and ability to stay current in own fields