CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (CHRTEM) is a research entity hosted by the science faculty of the Nelson Mandela University. It is required to operate as a national centre and is supported financially by the Department of Science and Innovation through the National Research Foundation. The Centre''s superb characterisation facilities are first and unique in South Africa and throughout Africa, and operating on a world-class level.   

Research at the CHRTEM is multi-disciplinary and focuses on the application of high resolution and analytical electron microscopy techniques to the characterisation of strategic materials. The ultimate goal is to establish itself as a centre of excellence in HRTEM; developing skills in a niche area such as HRTEM which contribute to the sustainable development of the South African Economy while aiming for international competitiveness.

The purpose of this post is to provide leadership in research within the CHRTEM as well as in teaching and learning in the Physics department, especially the use of electron microscopy and related techniques in research and development of important materials and nanostructures. In addition, the candidate will provide leadership, management, and overall accountability for the CHRTEM''s performance against strategic objectives and goals as stipulated in the approved Management and Governance plan of the Centre (approved in 2011) and the new Business Plan of Centre approved in 2020.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide scientific leadership resulting in the best strategic focus and outputs of the CHRTEM
• Lead strategic discussions with government and other stakeholders to ensure long-term financial support for the CHRTEM
• Promote knowledge and human capital development in areas of strategic importance to South Africa
• Promote collaborative and interdisciplinary research that is well aligned with NRF, DSI and national priorities
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of a multi-dimensional transformation strategy in line with that of the university, NRF and DSI.
• Strive for the highest standards of quality and international competitiveness
• Provide leadership in implementing the mission, vision and strategic plan of CHRTEM according to its Management and Governance Plan (2011) and new Business Plan (2020)
• Manage stakeholder needs and expectations
• Provide organizational leadership to ensure that the CHRTEM successfully meets the KPIs and deliverables agreed to in the NRF/DSI Governance and Management plan of the Centre
• Manage the finances and prepare the annual budget for CHRTEM
• Participate in the activities of national and international microscopy and physics professional societies

• Facilitate teaching and learning in modules presented by the Physics department at undergraduate and post graduate level, including electron microscopy applied to research on materials from micron to nanoscale

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate the ability to teach effectively at university level.
• sound teaching practices Demonstrated practical experience and understanding of the operation of aberration corrected transmission electron microscopes
• Proven experience in the use of advanced electron microscope techniques (e.g. HRTEM, HRSTEM, EELS, EDS, SEM, EBSD) in academic and applied research.
• Experience in data processing and electron microscopy image simulation software
• Problem solving skills in a range of materials and technologies relevant to SA
• Ability to manage a national research centre and direct the research programmes of the Centre
• Experience in the negotiation of industry research contracts and application for research grants
• Financial management skills
• Experience in collaboration and networking with international scientists and research institutions

REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant Doctoral degree in solid state physics or materials science or a cognate discipline which is relevant to the research and teaching in the Department of Physics at the Mandela University 
• Substantial experience in the operation of high resolution transmission electron microscopes
• Proven track record of fund raising for research as lead or co-investigator on grant applications
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills
• Proven track record of MSc and PhD supervision /co-supervision
• Experience in lecturing of physics courses at university level
• Good track record of journal articles based on electron microscopy applied to materials research

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