Research Group Leader: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
Email CV to; recruitment@tianaconsulting.co.za
Remuneration - (R 1 099 815 – R 1 649 722)
About the job:
The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group,
including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.
Key responsibilities:
Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
Lead researchers and engineers;
Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership
of multiple disciplines;
Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international
standing that is directed at cutting edge;
Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract
Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area
(including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering
design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit
and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational
approvals;
Network with peers in the fields expertise within and outside the organisation;
Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property
(IP) protection and technology transfer;
Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and offchain
data, and related blockchain protocols.
In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:
o Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
o Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
A Master’s degree in computer science/engineering, information technology or related field.
At least five years’ experience in technologies domain research within an RDI environment, ideally in
blockchain, DLT, or cryptocurrency-related field.
Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
Business Development and financial acumen;
