Key Performance Areas:
Technology Development and Innovation
Develop and implement the laboratory technology development strategy.
Lead scientific research aimed at developing new analytical technologies, certified reference materials (CRMs), laboratory products and scientific services.
Identify emerging technologies with commercial potential.
Drive technology transfer from research to commercial application.
Evaluate new technologies for adoption within laboratory operations.
Lead product feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects.
Develop intellectual property, patents and proprietary laboratory methodologies.
Publish scientific papers and present research at national and international conferences.
Promote innovation through collaboration with universities, research institutions and industry.
Product Development and Commercialisation
Lead the development of new laboratory products and scientific services.
Establish product development processes from concept through commercial launch.
Conduct market research to identify customer requirements.
Develop business cases for new products.
Manage pilot production and product validation.
Coordinate product registration where applicable.
Develop product specifications and technical documentation.
Monitor product performance after commercial release.
Support continuous product improvement.
Laboratory Operations and Technical Management
Ensure efficient laboratory operations.
Ensure that labs have necessary accreditations (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation) and certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, cGMP, GLP, etc.).
Ensure laboratory compliance with SANAS, NNR, SAHPRA and other applicable regulations.
Put in place a system for development and validation new analytical methods.
Ensure laboratory equipment remains operational and technologically current.
Oversee preventive maintenance programmes.
Ensure technical competence of laboratory personnel.
Approve technical reports and facilitate publication thereof.
Monitor laboratory performance indicators including Turnaround Time (TAT), quality and productivity.
Business Development and Customer Support
Identify new business opportunities.
Develop strategic partnerships.
Prepare technical proposals and tender responses.
Secure external funding for technology development.
Build relationships with industrial, government and international clients.
Facilitate and at times lead commercial business negotiations.
Promote laboratory products and capabilities.
Prepare and manage marketing initiatives such as exhibitions and scientific events.
Human Capital
Lead multidisciplinary scientific teams.
Develop staff competencies.
Drive succession planning.
Mentor scientists and technologists.
Conduct performance management.
Promote knowledge transfer.
Foster innovation and continuous improvement.
Financial and Resource Management
Prepare annual operational and capital budgets.
Manage laboratory expenditure.
Optimise utilisation of laboratory resources.
Ensure financial sustainability.
Monitor project profitability.
Develop investment proposals for new technologies.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
ISO/IEC 17025
ISO 9001
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Technology readiness levels (TRLs)
Product lifecycle management
Technology commercialisation
Intellectual Property Management
Research and Development methodologies
Project Management
Risk Management
SANAS requirements
Nuclear regulatory framework
Occupational Health and Safety legislation
PFMA and corporate governance
Strategic planning
Financial management
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Leadership competencies
Product development
Technology transfer
Research leadership
Scientific method development
Experimental design
Validation and verification
Statistical data analysis
Laboratory information systems
Quality management systems
Instrumentation management
Technical report writing
Proposal development
Market analysis
Innovation management
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masters degree in Chemistry/Physics/Analytical Science/Materials Science/Nuclear Science, or a related scientific discipline.
PhD will be an added advantage.
Registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) or equivalent professional body.
Registration as a Radiation Worker and/or Chemical Worker where applicable.
Experience
Minimum 10 years' experience in a scientific laboratory.
At least 5 years in laboratory or research management.
Demonstrated experience in technology development.
Experience in product development and commercialisation.
Experience in managing accredited laboratories.
Experience in business development.
Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
Experience in implementing management systems such as Quality.
Proven experience securing research or commercial funding