Job Description

Job PurposeTo lead projects in the Smart Radio Sensor research group within the Applied Radiation department which requires maintaining an effective balance between the development and delivery of relevant technologies, which will be used for further commercialization to assist in meeting the organisations goal of sustainability, along with a high quality research output and contract research generation. This role will also assist the group to ensure that new applications and technology solutions, using radiation detection techniques based on the applications of radiation sources and accelerators, are introduced into the Necsa value chain.Key Performance Areas:Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process.
• This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organization on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa at conferences, seminars and workshops; both domestically and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. NRF rating, Honorary Researchers, Member in Science Committees, Invited Speakers, etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialization.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP.
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and Graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2 - 3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI).
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) Representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline Manager and its Associated Responsibilities, Licencing an Operational Compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiative to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/Departmental Strategic and Revenue Targets.

Key Knowledge & Skills

• Necsa expert in area of specialization.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence.
• Technical/professional competence.
• The role requires clear national, and some level of international standing as a specialist in the area of expertise.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and Managing Change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic/big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision making

Qualifications & Experience:

• MSc in Physics.

Minimum Experience

• 8 years research experience in radiation detection methods and accelerator physics of which:
• 2 years in scientific project management.
• 2 years in scientific project coordination.

Closing date: 11 October 2024.HR contact no: 060 456 1352

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation