Research Group Leader: Road Materials Testing

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Client in Smart Mobility Cluster has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: Road Materials Testing in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering impact area. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and growth of the research group and ensure the highest quality standards in the group’s outputs. This position is based in Pretoria; however, the incumbent will be expected to travel from time to time.

The research group provides specialist road materials testing services; develops innovative products for the roads sector, and the commercialization thereof in partnership with industry; and creates new technologies, testing procedures and equipment in support of the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) needs of the road engineering sector in South Africa and internationally.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A science or engineering Masters’ degree with at least, ten years’ research leadership experience in at least five of the following fields related to road science/engineering:

• ü Road materials sciences/engineering
• ü Road-associated product development (innovation in road materials)
• ü Road-associated product development (innovation in test equipment; laboratory and/or field)
• ü Road-associated product development (in-field remote or embedded sensors/equipment)
• ü Road materials design and evaluation
• ü Road materials performance assessment and modelling
• ü Road construction and maintenance
• ü Geotechnical engineering
• ü Road materials risk and vulnerability assessment (e.g., associated with weather variability and climate change)
• ü Sustainability sciences (circular economy) skills will be an advantage.

• At least, ten years’ management experience in the following fields related to road science/engineering:

• ü Road materials quality control/assurance
• ü Road materials laboratory certification
• ü Road material forensic investigation
• ü Road material team management
• ü Road material infrastructure and equipment management as per ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 17025 management systems
• ü Road material reference testing, specialised testing, product development and method development
• ü Road material skills management to cater and service the road pavement industry

• A doctorate would be advantageous.
• Proven leadership, management skills and financial acumen;
• Track record of successful development and management of revenue streams in the field of road engineering;
• Ability to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the business/engineering environment in which the research group operates;
• Recognition as an expert in the road infrastructure domain or in related fields allowing the individual to contribute to integration across disciplines;
• Networking ability and proven networks within the aspects of transport infrastructure design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation, including the assessment of materials and pavement behaviour, and performance modelling, demonstrated through participation in national or sectoral committees, task teams and working groups;
• Proven contract and project management experience on medium to large-scale projects, preferably multi-disciplinary research and development projects, both national and internationally;
• Practical knowledge of and experience in a range of research methods;
• Excellent report-writing skills;
• Track record of research outputs published in peer-reviewed journals, books or conference proceedings;
• Effective communication skills (oral, written and presentation), including excellent communication in English;
• Skills in staff motivation and performance management;
• Analytical skills with a problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Computer literacy and experience in using standard software packages; programming skills will be an advantage.

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

• Provide leadership to staff in the Road-Materials Testing research group by means of an excellent grasp of the field and by ensuring quality outputs and the professional development and transformation of the group’s capacity and capabilities in line with industry needs;
• Provide management of facilities and resources as per CSIR management systems;
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence in terms of both quality and delivery;
• Drive the strategic vision of the Road-Materials Testing research group;
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of strategies to grow the research group;
• Assist the Impact Area Manager to construct and implement a business plan for the impact area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances);
• Identify and manage business opportunities in order to secure external contracts;
• Establish, build, manage and maintain mutually beneficial and credible stakeholder relationships;
• Ensure financial sustainability of the research group, through active networking, developing and managing client relationships, understanding the client needs and aligning them with internal needs and capability;
• Conceptualise, lead and deliver on multi-disciplinary and multi-agency projects and programmes in support of road infrastructure engineering, and associated decision-making and policy development;
• Develop project proposals, identify tasks and activities to facilitate execution, and allocate appropriate resources;
• Review reports, guidelines and other documents aimed at disseminating the results and outcomes of projects in line with stakeholder expectations; Ensure impact of the research group’s work.
• Manage, motivate and develop the people in the research group and enable their career growth through creation of opportunities;
• Provide guidance to researchers and mentorship to interns and learners;
• Direct, drive and measure the performance of the people in the research group;
• Ensure that the research group is dynamic, and remains innovative, competitive and abreast of trends;
• Raise personal, team and institutional profiles through publishing original research and presenting at national and international conferences and workshops;
• Ensure the quality and delivery of projects and publications in the group by means of technical reviews and quality assurance;
• Ensure impact of the research group’s work in line with key performance targets set, whilst ensuring its financial sustainability.