The main purpose of this position will be to provide leadership with regards to increasing the impact of the research group through science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence in areas that include sustainable transport infrastructure management, data science applications in infrastructure management, industry collaborations, and transport foresight research.

Key responsibilities:
Continuously build the research group to be responsive to current and future transport challenges, within the transport sector and in the context of supporting industrial development
Implement a business plan for operations, sustainable growth and robustness of the research group (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances) and establish the research group as a national leader in transport network asset management, with international recognition
Attract appropriate levels of funding to support the financial viability of the research group
Propose, plan and implement Grant and other grant-funded projects, in consultation with the Competence Area Manager (CAM) to enhance the technical strength of the research group
Manage projects and programmes through robust and integrated planning
Co-ordinate deliverables to fulfil project requirements
Conceptualise innovate solutions to fulfil project and programme requirements
Project co-ordination planning with the relevant team members and researchers to ensure projects are on brief, budget and time
Identify and develop new science engineering & technology (SET) capabilities required for business and impact growth
Manage the quality of the outputs, i.e. proposals, reports and client presentations to ensure they are of a high standard
Build and maintain client responsive teams

Qualifications, skills and experience:
A Master’s degree in transport network asset management, transport engineering, operations research, systems engineering or equivalent, with at least ten years’ relevant working experience
A Doctoral degree or working towards one would be an added advantage
Should preferably be at a principal level or at least a senior level on the research career path (with publication history, and evidence of national and international recognition)
Good understanding of transport and the transport sector in South Africa
Registered professional scientist or engineer would be an added advantage
Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential
Ability to carry out strategic stakeholder interactions at all levels
Demonstrated ability to secure research funding
Excellent business management skills, i.e. budgeting, establishing networks, excellent people skills
Excellent presentation skills, i.e. able to present ideas, concepts, plan and procedures
Excellent people management skills, i.e. mentorship, coaching diversity and diversity management
Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
Demonstrated track record of the ability to work accurately, independently and efficiently

?This is an AA/EE appointment 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.