Head: New Technology Job at Mintek

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Perform the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, applied research and technology development, technology transfer and commercialisation.
• Provide strategic leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Division.
• Provide technical leadership in formulating and executing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments that require integration of specialist knowledge and skills, and function as the key technical resource in the Division.
• Providing expert and specialist support in the planning, demonstration, and managing complex pilot scale demonstration projects.
• Develop and write proposals for new R&D projects to drive the establishment and sustenance of worldclass RDI infrastructure, research programmes, and human capital capacity at Mintek.
• Providing full administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating procurement processes for RDI infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
• Contribute to the visibility and credibility of the Division through building and sustaining long-term collaborations with industrial and academic partners, both locally and globally.
• Provide disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assessment and guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Strong pyrometallurgical testwork planning and execution capabilities, with the ability to develop bespoke experimental techniques, models and prototypes from first principles up to pilot scale demonstration.
• Track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in specialist research areas such as computational methods in engineering and process design, refractory materials design and characterisation, and technologyand process demonstration.
• Demonstrable ability to conceptualize and manage complex RDI projects and take ideas from concept to market.
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes and flowsheets using thermochemical software tools such as HSC Chemistry™ and FactSage™.
• A strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI-rated journals.
• Demonstrated ability to attract industry and/or bilateral research funding is highly advantageous.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum Master of Engineering degree in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• A PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with astrong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development is a definite advantage.
• Professional registration is an added advantage.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impact research.
• Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required
• Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high-level international stakeholders
• Excellent writing and presentation skills

Apply by: 5 August 2026