The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
Principal Researcher: Pavement Engineering and Materials
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.
For more information about the Smart Mobility cluster, kindly visit https://www.csir.co.za/smart-mobility .
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 groups 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.
- 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.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012841 7656 or email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicants educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.
