Contract Type: Permanent Job Level: Management Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Closing Date: 10 June 2024 The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africas activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours. The primary purpose of this role will be to lead the development and establishment of the SARAO High Performance Compute Facility from concept to commissioning and operations. The facility shall include the South African SKA Regional Centre (SRC), which shall meet national and international requirements of the SKA telescope and respective science, and shall serve as a key research infrastructure platform that enables SARAO to pursue a data intensive and compute infrastructure research mandate. The role will also be responsible for representing SARAO and South African interests in respective SRC related fora and structures. Key Responsibilities: * Overall responsibility for the development of the South African SRC * Lead the engagement with national stakeholders and partners and provide the vision and direction for the development of the ZASRC * Participate in the international SRC Steering Committee work program and ultimately lead the South African participation in international SRC planning and operations * Develop and implement a resource plan to ensure ZASRC Program milestones and deliverables are met * Lead technology development data-intensive R&D platforms * Management Key Requirements: Qualification: A Masters degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business or related applied sciences. Experience: * At least 10 years’ experience in relevant areas of data intensive projects and research. * Demonstrated ability to form and work effectively with national and international collaborations * Demonstrated ability to raise funding * At least 5 years’ experience in developing and managing systems development teams * At least 5 years management experience * Experience managing internal and external stakeholders within a program context Knowledge: * Experience leading and participating in global scale projects and collaborations in R&D, Human Capital Development, technology and scientific facility development. * Fully conversant with latest trends in data-intensive research platforms * Experience in system engineering-driven environment * Proven track record of project delivery * Significant technical experience in design and development of large projects * Strong ability to lead and motivate technical personnel * Must have skill and personality to compete strongly on global basis in the scientific computing arena Additional Notes: * Leadership and Management * Communication * Interpersonal skills * Financial Planning&Reporting * Governance * Team building * Decision making Information: The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities. Applications: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided. Closing Date: 10 June 2024 The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only #J-18808-Ljbffr