Job Description

Job Purpose

To lead and provide support to the Necsa research environment, to execute and manage larger scale and complex projects with multiple specialists, support personnel and team members. The main focus will be in the field of chemistry related to Uranium and other related elements. Most of the current work will focus on the development of processes to management nuclear waste by minimizing the volume or recovering the nuclear material.

Key Performance Areas:

Knowledge Dissemination

Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc. Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings. Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process. This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organization on national or international level. Maintain consistent record. Initiate publications, through supervision or project leader, in the field of expertise. Represent Necsa at conferences, seminars and workshops; both domestically and internationally. Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally. Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. NRF rating, Honorary Researchers, Member in Science Committees, Invited Speakers, etc. Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International

Mentor staff members in areas of specialization. Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP. Lead research teams. Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression. Supervise and Graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels. Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision. Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects. Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2 - 3 years. Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures. Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI). Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects. Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and Other Audits

Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System. Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) Representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc. Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects. Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline Manager and its Associated Responsibilities, Licencing an Operational Compliance for NNR and SAHPRA. Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions. Contribute to the development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise. Advice Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management

Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget. Take initiative to increase income and reduce expenditure. Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA. Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/Departmental Strategic and Revenue Targets.

Key Knowledge & Skills

Necsa Group Expert in Nuclear Chemistry. Analytical thinking and good problem-solving capabilities. Innovative and creative mind-set that aims to further develop, optimise and increase the impact of research performed. Technical/Professional Competence. Expert in interpreting analytical data and characterization results Proven applicable soft skills examples: Situation leadership, investment in excellence & mentoring Proven record to compile client reports Proficiency to compile project funding and proposal Proficiency in suitable modelling techniques ( such as speciation, modelling of processes for optimization, etc.,) The role requires clear national and some level of international standing as a specialist in the area of expertise (such as Separation Techniques, Ion exchange, Solvent Extraction, Precipitation, Evaporation).

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

Scientific report writing and communication. Project budget drafting, forecasting and management. Able to work in a research team as leader. Anticipating and Managing Change. Interpersonal communication skills. Holistic/big picture thinking. Judgement and decision-making

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

MSc/MTech in Science 8 - 10 years' research experience in the specialized scientific field,

which includes:


2 -3 years' in scientific project management 5 years experience specialized research in the specialized scientific field 2 -3 years' in scientific project coordination

CLOSING DATE

: 23 January 2026

CONTACT DETAILS

064 036 5248



Necsa Group is committed to Employment Equity when recruiting. Therefore, priority will be given to African Females, African Males, and people with disabilities, in support of achieving our Employment Equity targets.

GENERAL:

Should you not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.