Research Group Leader: Smart Water Resource Management (SWRM)
Job Details
Job Description
The CSIR is seeking a Research Group Leader for Smart Water Resource Management (SWRM) in the Water Research Centre within the Smart Places cluster. The role involves providing strategic and technical leadership, managing a multidisciplinary team, and driving research in water resource management, hydrological modeling, and decision-support systems. The position is based in Pretoria or Stellenbosch.
Requirements
- Doctoral or Master’s degree in environmental science, hydrology, chemical science, microbiology, or related natural science discipline associated with water resource management, or BSc Eng/BEng in a relevant civil engineering discipline with a relevant postgraduate qualification
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) with ECSA or SACNASP registration as a professional natural scientist (or eligible to register immediately)
- Six years’ experience within an RDI environment in water resources management, catchment management, water quality testing technology, nature-based solutions, or hydrological modeling
- Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team of professionals, mentor, and manage people
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills
- Proven track record in successful project bidding and research project leadership
- Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualization
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Business development and financial acumen
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Conflict management skills
- Decisiveness and action orientation
- Project management skills
- Appropriate national and international RDI networks
- Understanding of the research-to-market innovation value chain
Responsibilities
- Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and RDI strategy development
- Lead researchers and implement the RDI strategy for the Water Research Centre
- Promote a culture of science, engineering, and technology excellence
- Ensure industry and service delivery relevance with national and international standing
- Propose and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development, and other grant-funded projects
- Develop and implement a business plan for sustainable growth and impact
- Provide technical solutions to client programmes
- Secure research projects in water resources management
- Integrate sector knowledge to deliver industry-aligned RDI
- Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development
- Ensure a well-balanced cutting-edge SET capability in water resources assessments, hydrological modeling, and decision-support systems
- Deliver on all KPIs, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety, and environment
- Implement and comply with financial and business systems requirements
- Network with peers within and outside the CSIR
- Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long-term relationships
- Provide technical support on business development
- Manage projects to ensure IP protection and technology transfer
- Lead strategic direction and execution of water resource management and nature-based solutions projects
- Manage timely delivery of complex outcomes related to water quality management, contaminants of emerging concern, waterborne pathogens monitoring, and integrated water resources planning
- Drive technology transfer and commercialization in collaboration with Business Development and Commercialization portfolio
Apply online
Additional Instructions
Apply via the provided link with your CV, cover letter, and relevant documents. Ensure your application is complete and submitted through the CSIR career portal. All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
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