Job Description

Job profile:The primary purpose of this job is to independently perform work on research projects for internal and external clients, in the area of nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis, as well as reactor safety analysis, in support of research reactor safety assessment. The role requires a balance between self-development and development of others, and visible contributions to relevant Necsa business processes and SHEQ requirements is required. The role requires increasing leadership in knowledge dissemination activities and small projects in the area of expertise.In the RRT/RD environment, the main purpose of the job is to independently perform work to support the development of the safety analysis of the SAFARI-1 reactor at Necsa. This requires a strong knowledge base regarding the appropriate physical models, related computer code systems and internationally accepted standards and good practices in nuclear safety analyses. An important aspect of this job is to interact with clients to define, in consultation with the Reactor Dynamics research leader, work requests to support their analysis needs, to interpret client requirements, perform requested analyses and produce adequate documentation. It is expected that the incumbent keep abreast of and contribute to latest developments in nuclear analyses.A particular aspect of this role includes using the RELAP code (and other related codes) to perform thermal-hydraulic analysis of nuclear reactors, in particular research reactors. Additionally, the incumbent will be expected to interact with neutronics specialists to appropriately model coupled neutronic/thermal-hydraulic phenomena.Key Performance AreasKnowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; at least as co-author in regular progress reports, annual progress reports, technical reports, local and international conference contributions and journal publications.
• Publish in the relevant field.
• Report research results orally at Necsa wide colloquia and national conferences/meetings/workshops.
• Independently perform research and generate outputs in the relevant technical field within the organization.
• Contribute to publication as primary author of peer-reviewed published works.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Provide training to colleagues and students in identified subjects/skills. Provide academic supervision to post-graduate students.
• Contribute as member or lead a research team with specific responsibilities.
• Contribute to capacity building, outreach events, and other community services. e.g. Science week, science expo.
• Co-supervise graduate projects and MSc/MEng level students, and train colleagues in area of expertise.

Contribution to NECSA business processes

• Execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Create know-how or process development that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa, e.g Innovation Disclosures.
• Contribute to preparation of client reports e.g. calculation or experiment.
• Coordinate defined activities as researcher in projects visible at section/group level. Contribute to project design and planning.
• Support the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that meet Necsas strategic and academic goals.
• Coordinate technical research projects spanning at least 1 -2 years.
• Develop proposals for new projects.

SHEQ and other audits

• Participate and contribute in Business Process Management (eg. document management and timesheet) Systems.

• Perform activities aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.

• Take the lead in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.
• Assist in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.

Financial Management

• Support achievement of budget goals and or develop project budgets as project leader.
• Increase income (e.g. Research grants like NRF Thuthuka) and reduce wasteful expenditure of research projects.
• Control cost of managed projects. Contribute to increasing research project funding availability by leveraging against potential funding streams like the NRF, TIA Seed fund, IAEA, contract research etc.

Key Knowledge & Skills

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence
• Technical / professional competence

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• 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 and Experience:

• MSc/MEng/MTech. in Science or Engineering.
• 3-4 years researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.

OR

• PhD in Science or Engineering.
• 0-2 years researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.

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

South African Nuclear Energy Corporation