Research Group Leader: Applied Detonics

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. **Research Group Leader: Applied Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives** **About the job**: The CSIR has a vacancy for a **Research Group Leader: Applied Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives **in the Landward Sciences Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria. **Key responsibilities**: - Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy; - Implement the RD&I strategy for the impact area; - Lead researchers and engineers in threat characterisation and the development of technologies for protection against explosives and ballistic threats; - Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines of investigation, modeling, simulation, analysis, testing and evaluation of detonics, ballistics, explosives and their respective protection technologies; - Ensure that the Applied Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives group remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standards that are directed at cutting edge; - Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary 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 commercialization); - 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 programs in order to deliver industry aligned RD&I; - 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 KPIs 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 (investigation, modeling, simulation, analysis, testing and evaluation of detonics, ballistics and explosives) within and outside the CSIR; - 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 Master’s degree in engineering or natural sciences with at least five years’ experience in detonics, ballistics and explosives environment; - A Doctoral degree in engineering or natural sciences will be advantageous; - Experience in the following will be advantageous: - Firepower, protection or mobility RD&I; - Investigation, modelling, simulation, analysis, testing and evaluation of detonics, ballistics and explosives; - Proven track record of translating user requirements into research studies; - Proven track record of delivering outputs on schedule and within budget; - Proven track record in project management and research project leadership; - Knowledge of South Africa’s defence and security sector processes, approaches and philosophies; - Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions; - 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; - Appropriate national and international RD&I networks; - An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain