Pretoria: Research Group Leader: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) posted by Kone Staffing Solutions

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Research Group Leader in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to contribute to our strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy. The successful candidate will lead researchers and engineers, promote a culture of science, engineering, and technology excellence, and ensure that the area remains industry-relevant with national and international standing.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering, and technology excellence;
• Provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery-relevant with national and international standing;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development, and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• 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;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the fields expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and off-chain data, and related blockchain protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science / engineering, information technology or related field;
• At least six years experience in technologies domain research within an RDI environment, ideally in blockchain, DLT, or cryptocurrency-related field;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills.

Qualifications

No qualifications mentioned.