Research Group Leader- Biorefinery

SUMMARY:
Lead a team of scientists and engineers in developing and exploiting new knowledge, technologies and human capital to enable renewed development in the forest and waste biomass sectors.

POSITION INFO:
Key responsibilities:
 

• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact, and robustness of the biorefinery group including strategy, Research and Development (R&D) goals, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization;
• Lead a team of scientists, engineers, students, and interns to build and maintain a critical mass of skills in Biorefinery product and process development; ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide multi-disciplinary RDI leadership;
• Ensure that the Biorefinery team is dynamic, remains abreast of S&T and industry trends and remains innovative and internationally competitive in cutting edge R&D;
• Build networks with peers in the fields of expertise within and outside the Company
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI and assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions for these client programmes;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Ensure that SET outputs are achieved; deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, financials, quality, health and safety as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial and business systems requirements;
• Provide technical support to business development activities and participate in client interactions, wwork closely with the Business Development and Commercialisation team to develop and package technologies for commercialisation;
• Performance management of the staff members in collaboration with the Biomanufacturing Technologies impact area manager;
• Be competent in and develop skills in process flow-sheeting, process integration, process optimisation, techno-economic assessment, process modelling and technology packages;
• Manage infrastructure and equipment and the necessary set-up, implementation, commissioning, and safety of unit operations;
• Ensure appropriate best practice and compliance with agreed quality and safety standards such as GLP, GMP, and execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to required performance requirements.

• A Doctoral degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, with at least five years’ in a technology leadership role in product and product development, preferably in a Biorefinery environment or within industry in product and process development and commercialisation;
• Professional registration will be advantageous;
• A track record in successful technology development, transfer and implementation is essential;
• Good people skills and experience in mentoring is essential;
• Experience and a track record in securing funding for R&D projects in the public and private sector;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Business development and financial acumen;
• Excellent 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;
• Conflict management skills, decisiveness, and action orientation;
• Appropriate national and international RD&I networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.

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