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About the job:
- The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Researcher: Pavement Engineering and Materials within the Transport Infrastructure Engineering Impact Area of the Smart Mobility Cluster. The group plays a leading role in road construction materials, pavement design, road rehabilitation design and analysis methods, monitoring long-term performance of roads and road material characterisation and assessment. This position is based in Pretoria.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide technical and strategic leadership to staff in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering impact area by ensuring quality scientific outputs and the professional development and transformation of the group’s scientific capacity.
- Promote a culture of scientific excellence in terms of both quality and delivery.
- Lead research in the development and validation of innovative/alternative/new materials for use in road construction.
- To become recognised as an expert in the field of pavement engineering and materials and associated research, providing thought leadership.
- Networking ability both nationally and internationally, and proven networks within all aspects of transport infrastructure design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation.
- Proven contract and project management experience on medium to large-scale projects, preferably involving multi-disciplinary research and development, both in South Africa and internationally.
- Practical knowledge of, and experience in a range of research methods.
- Provide effective mentorship to other colleagues to enhance research capability within the impact area.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A Masters’ degree in civil engineering; a PhD is preferable.
- Registration with a relevant professional body.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in at least five of the following fields related to road engineering:
- material behavioural sciences
- bituminous binders
- cementitious binders
- alternative binders (e.g., polymeric, nano and bio)
- asphalt technology
- concrete technology
- performance assessment and modelling
- construction and maintenance
- risk and vulnerability assessment
- field investigations
- forensic investigation
- procurement/contractual models
- asset management
- sustainability science, inclusive of climate adaptation and mitigation.
- A track record of leading studies in the fields mentioned above.
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
- A track record in formulating development and implementation strategies.
- Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts, plans and procedures.
- Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge.
- Must have the ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently, as well as in a team.
- Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential.
- Good understanding of the transport sector in South Africa.
- Ability to carry out strategic stakeholder interactions at all levels.
- A track record in attracting and securing funding to support a team.
- Must have excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
- Ability to continuously disseminate research outputs in the form of technical papers and technical articles.
- Must be computer literate as well as have the ability to understand and use domain specialised software.
Closing date: 30 November 2023