Research Group Leader: Hydrogen SA and CO2 Capture and Utilization

Research Group Leader: Hydrogen SA and CO2 Capture and Utilization The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. About The Job The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM) within the Chemicals Cluster, Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Research Group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria. For more information about the Cluster, visit Key Responsibilities Provide RDI leadership by implementing the HySA group RDI strategy, which is responsive to Chemicals Cluster/CeNAM RDI strategy-relevant technology trends, impact, growth, investment, R&D, technology transfer, commercialisation, obtaining funding, HCD and transformation. Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Group. Ensure a well-balanced impact capability- identify and develop specific (not general) impact/application domain knowledge. Ensure that HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization team is dynamic, remain abreast of S&T and industry trends, remaining innovative and competitive. Effective management of HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization research group staff. Ensure a well-balanced cutting-edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering, to ensure integrated capability. Manage staff members’ performance in collaboration with CeNAM manager. 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. Manage strategic stakeholder relationship for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization group to secure appropriate, integrated research and industry programmes. Implement and comply with appropriate management and systems requirements, including operational approvals. Apply appropriate processes and policies to ensure IP protection, technology transfer, impact and appropriate benefit from IP in collaboration with the Commercialisation Manager. Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment and package technologies for commercialisation or develop an investment-ready business through financial modelling, market assessment and business plan development, in collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio. Qualifications, Skills and Experience A Master's degree in chemical engineering/chemistry with at least five years’ of experience in fields of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilisation and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). Professional registration will be advantageous. Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals. Proven track record in project management and research project leadership. Proven experience in obtaining External public and private sector funding. Communication, presentation skills, research, and report writing skills. Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation. Ability to work independently as well as in teams. Ability to convert industry/clients’ requirements to technical deliverables. Ability to understand complete integration of technology to produce a functional product. Problem solving, facilitation and interpersonal skills in a goal-oriented approach. Track record and/or ability to produce actual device such as sensor unit. Strong Project Management skills. Conflict management skills. Decisiveness and action orientation. Appropriate national and international RDI networks. An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain. What’s in it for you? Flexible hybrid work arrangement. Learning and development opportunities. Competitive and market-related remuneration packages. Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme. We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. Feedback PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please email us at Please do-not send your applications to this mailbox, it is only for enquiries. The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries Research #J-18808-Ljbffr