AdresseNational Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS)
(Five-year fixed-term contract with possible renewal for a second five-year term dependent on performance and the availability of funding)
Ref. VRN/001/0124
The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS) is located in South Africa and represents the culmination of the reconfiguration started in 2017 by the Department of Science and Innovation and National Research Foundation of the previous National Institute for Theoretical Physics (NITheP), located at Stellenbosch University (SU), which was established in 2008. The pivoting of NITheP to NITheCS into an entity with a broader focus on Theoretical and Computational Sciences is aligned to the recommendations of the Roadmap for Transitioning from the National institute for Theoretical Physics (NITheP) to the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS) (DSI, 2020). NITheCS consists of a Consortium of South African Higher Education Institutions consisting of a hosting (or administrative hub/lead node) and participating nodes. The hosting hub has a dual function, namely that of fulfilling administrative and hosting responsibilities, as well as having a fully-fledged research and capacity development programme. The hosting of the NITheCS Hub was awarded to Stellenbosch University in 2023.
The vision of the NITheCS is to be a leading Institute of Theoretical and Computational Sciences nationally, regionally, continentally and globally, recognised for its excellent and impactful research, training, and engagement programmes. Its missionis to build human and research capability in the field of Theoretical and Computational Sciences and to enhance scientific innovation, transformation, socio-economic development, science engagement and knowledge utilisation (and translation) to ensure that all scientific and technological developments resulting from the work of the NITheCS and its partners are accessible to a wider footprint of users who can then further exploit this knowledge into new advanced developments, products, processes, technologies, applications, materials, or services.
The NITheCS has been designed as a national multidisciplinary and multi-themed national institute in which the fundamental basic sciences of Theoretical Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, Astronomy and Astrophysics and Quantitative Biosciences (including Bioinformatics) are the core disciplines underpinning it. Quantitative Finance, Earth Systems/ Climate change Modelling and Data Science are themes which frame the NITheCS model.
The NITheCS Consortium will be implemented through governance and management structures relevant for directing the strategic, scientific and operational mandate of the NITheCS. The primary governance structure for NITheCS is the Steering Committee which has advisory powers to provide strategic direction, guidance and support to ensure the Institute’s alignment and performance with the mandate, objectives and key performance areas of the Institute, as well as national imperatives, and will be responsible for high level oversight of the Institute.
The NITheCS is resourced through a co-funding model, where the DSI-NRF contribution is regarded as additional funding to the current funding of the existing research platforms. The DSI-NRF funding will be utilised firstly to enable the NITheCS consortium (Hub and Nodes)to establish itself within the NITheCS configuration, whilst secondly leveraging emerging opportunities aligned to the Hub’s and Nodes’s research outputs, collaborations and partnerships towards future sustainability.
The website of the NITheCS (https://www.nithecs.ac.za) contains additional background information.
Duties:
- Establishing the NITheCS as a national asset by leading the scientific and research themes of NITheCS and management of NITheCS activities;
- Responsible for the strategic and operational functioning of the NITheCS ensuring contractual compliance with funders;
- Managing the NITheCS as a complex multi-campus, multi-institutional, multidisciplinary enterprise;
- Responsible for maintaining, deploying and achieving the Vision, Mission and Aims of NITheCS;
- Optimally implementing the governance, staffing, operational and financial management of the Institute’s activities;
- Coordinating the implementation of the NITheCS Steering Committee, Management Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee and other necessary governance and operational structures;
- Building and maintaining constructive relationships between the NITheCS Consortium, universities, the research community, funding organisations, relevant government departments, decision-makers and the general public, and functioning as the point of contact for all strategic and contractual communications;
- Ensuring that the reputation and prestige of the NITheCS is maintained within South Africa, the rest of Africa, as well as globally;
- Research Ecosystem leadership: Through various channels of advocacy, motivate research institutions relevant to the NITheCS to strengthen research culture; and positively influence the National System of Innovation;
- Providing leadership and management to guide and motivate staff towards achieving large multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral teams to address scientific and policy challenges in the relevant disciplines or specialised fields of knowledge of the NITheCS;
- Ensuring the scientific development of a cohort of qualified and capable individuals in the relevant disciplines or specialised fields of knowledge of the NITheCS in the national context, and building an optimal succession pool for further advancement of the NITheCS;
- Demonstrating, through implementation, a commitment to excellence, diversity, inclusivity and socio-economic growth in all aspects of governance, research, human capital development, funding and internal management towards achieving multi- dimensional transformation by embracing equal opportunity and affirmative action;
- Establishing and facilitating a climate conducive to optimal research and maintaining your own active research programme;
- Lead the NITheCS’s response to the National Development Plan (NDP), the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan 2022-2032, and other relevant national and international policies, strategies and grand challenge projects;
- Maintaining compliance with contractual and applicable institutional and government policies and procedures;
- Responsible for internationalising the research programme and linking it to other initiatives in Theoretical and Computational Sciences and the core thematic areas of the NITheCS in South Africa, the rest of Africa and globally;
- Monitoring industry and sectoral trends and the competitive landscape to identify new business opportunities relevant to the research and growth trajectory of the NITheCS;
- Identify and implement long-term methods to increase value through the development of new and strengthening of existing partnerships, as well as ensure that fit for purpose marketing strategies are developed to underpin and advance the growth trajectory of the NITheCS by identifying business development opportunities and segmenting those that will bring increased partnership benefits and revenue;
- Driving the efforts and strategies to ensure sustainability of the NITheCS beyond DSI- NRF funding.
Requirements:
- A relevant Doctoral degree in one or more of the knowledge fields related to the focus of the NITheCS;
- An established researcher in the knowledge fields related to the focus of the NITheCS, with a significant and outstanding research track record, high international research standing, and has received recognition by peers;
- A full professor, or qualify to be appointed as a full professor benchmarked nationally, coupled with a demonstrable track record of at least ten years’ achievement at senior
level in a management or related capacity, including a proven track record of research management of similar multi-level or national institutes;
- Has insight into and a proven track record of providing strategic leadership, with the ability to provide strategic leadership to the NITheCS Consortium, including shaping the focus areas, direction and research programmes of the NITheCS;
- Extensive experience of working with multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams;
- A proven track record of supervising postgraduate students, including PhD students, to completion; guiding and advising emerging researchers (postdoctoral research fellows) as well developing members of research and development teams working under his/her/their supervision during their progression to higher ranks of the career ladder;
- A demonstrable understanding of dimensions of inequality and discrimination, including race, gender, sexual orientation and disability;
- Superior leadership and communication skills;
- In a position of authority to influence opinion leaders and decision-makers;
- An excellent understanding of corporate governance;
- A strong understanding of social and enterprise development;
- Proven experience in collaboration and networking, both locally and internationally, to develop and sustain appropriate partnerships and alliances is essential;
- Well-connected within academia, government, industry networks and related civil society organisations at a senior level;
- The ability to bring visibility to and enhance the profile of the NITheCS;
- A demonstrable understanding of the strategic importance of the basic sciences (i.e., the foundational disciplines in the natural sciences), as well as the ability to articulate this to decision-makers and potential funders;
- A proven track record in building and leading teams across multiple projects;
- A demonstrable entrepreneurial and innovative approach to research issues;
- A proven track record of generating sustainable external funds and diversifying revenue streams to pursue the strategic objectives of the NITheCS;
- Experience of ensuring the responsible management of finances and resources;
- Excellent knowledge of the science, research and policy ecosystem in South Africa, and the larger international context as it applies to the NITheCS;
- Familiar with South Africa’s public policy processes and public finance concepts;
Recommendation:
- An awarded NRF A or B research rating in the knowledge fields related to the focus of NITheCS, or the potential for an A or B rating within a one-/two- year period would be advantageous;
- A strong academic standing, combined with relevant industry experience at senior management level relevant to the knowledge fields forming the focus of the NITheCS. will be advantageous.
Contractual Dimensions:
Remuneration: Remuneration (which includes base salary and a potential performance bonus) will be in line with experience and skills and will be market related aligned to the policies of Stellenbosch University.
Commencement of Duties:
01 April 2024
Closing Date:
12 February 2024
Enquiries regarding this post: MsLeandie Arendse at leandieb@sun.ac.za
How to apply:
All applications must be marked“Confidential” and addressed to the Chief Director: Human Resources, Stellenbosch University, and submitted via email to Ms Leandie Arendse at leandieb@sun.ac.za
Please ensure the subject line reads: “Application for the NITheCSDirector Position”.
Please provide the documentation listed below:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and relevant qualifications, including copies of pertinent qualifications. Demonstrable evidence of the required experience and skills as in the job description is imperative for eligibility and consideration. The name and full contact details (including telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least (3) three traceable and credible referees must be included.
- A two-page (Arial Font size 11) letter of motivation stating why you are suitable for the position and outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position.
Note that communication will be exclusively directed to shortlisted candidates. In the event of no response within 30 days from the closing date of the advertisement, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
The shortlisted candidates may be required to provide additional information for assessment prior to the final interview.
All eligible candidates will be screened and interviewed and will be subject to reference, credit, criminal and qualification checks and verification.
South African nationals, and specifically candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, are encouraged to apply.
