Key responsibilities:
Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and the development of RDI strategy
Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the impact area
Lead researchers and engineers
Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines such as electronics, mechanical, computing, radiometry, modeling, simulation, testing and evaluation
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 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 commercialisation)
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 programmes in order 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 KPI's 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 systems requirements, including operational approvals
Network with peers in the fields expertise within and outside the company
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
In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialisation 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 Doctoral degree in computer science, any engineering discipline, physics, information technology, applied mathematics, mathematical statistics, geographical information systems, remote sensing, geo-informatics or related field, with at least five years’ experience in technologies domain research within an RDI 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 RDI networks
An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain

This is AA/EE vacancy and ONLY applications from South African citizens will be considered with preference being given to Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI) candidates.

If you do not receive a response within 48 hours of submitting your resume, please consider your application as being unsuccessful.