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COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS) - SENIOR SCIENTIST: GEOCHRONOLOGY AND ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY
COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)
SENIOR SCIENTIST: GEOCHRONOLOGY AND ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY
Peromnes Grade: Peromnes Grade 07 (R 896 095,59 CTC Per Annum)
Location: Upington Office (and other regions as required)
Reporting Line: Business Unit Manager: Geoscience Mapping
Overall Job Purpose: Undertake advanced geochronological and regional isotope geochemistry research and data management in a wide variety of terrains, which includes leading the development of geochronology functionality within the Council for Geoscience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the development of an appropriate geochronology and isotope analytical facility to meet the organisation mandate
- Manage, administer and oversee mandated research projects and investigations, especially those requiring integrated geochronology and isotope geochemistry, particularly toward regional geodynamics and targeted research on age determination
- Beneficiate existing geochronological data and information on accepted digital platforms. This should include reviewing and compiling all pre-existing geochronological data and associated sedimentological, lithological, structural, geochemical, economical and hydrogeological data; and use these data to devise targeted field investigations
- Compile and migrate all analogue/digital isotope and geochronological data into a standard digital format within a geographic database to enable analytical interpretation and applied data manipulation
- Undertake and oversee targeted field work to collect geological data and samples for analytical work toward achieving the key thematic objectives, especially linked to geochronology and isotope geochemistry
- Oversee all preparatory logistical and planning work necessitated by field work and the requirements thereof
- Undertake and oversee the necessary and targeted geochemical and other analytical work on samples collected and the interpretation of the corresponding data
- Oversee the interpretation and integration of all field data, together with existing data from literature and other relevant datasets, e.g. geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, etc.
- Design and oversee the packaging and presentation of results, discussion thereof and make recommendations for additional work toward supporting research toward furthering the thematic objectives
- Design and lead the consolidation of all data into project reports, thematic maps and peer-reviewed publications
- Design and lead the presentation of results at local and international geoscientific conferences
- Undertake other allied geoscience research aligned to the mandate of the Council for Geoscience
- Conduct independent advanced to cutting-edge research/mapping in geochronology and site specific geoscience projects
- Participate in the formulation of research proposals, methodologies, data collection and data interpretation
- Conduct geoscience data collection, quality control and quality assurance (QAQC), data processing, modelling and data interpretation
- Compile and compute high quality maps and/or geoscientific models for mineralising systems
- Interrogate and implement innovative conceptual models and techniques to enhance efficiency in geochronology and isotope geochemistry programmes
- Supervise geochronological research/mapping of other staff, e.g. guiding their work, monitoring progress, checking maps and editing reports on various geoscience projects
- Participate in the development and implementation of new methodologies synthesis of data to support organisational programmes
- Resolve complex geoscientific problems in a variety of geoscientific fields with minimal guidance or supervision
- Initiate, lead or participate in statutory and commercial projects
- Evaluate research results, edits reports for publication compiled by early-career scientists, and prepares own work for publication by the Council for Geoscience
- Initiate, develop and give geoscience input to project proposals and/or tenders for both statutory and commercial work.
- Implement risk mitigation measures as directed by the Unit manager/project manager
- Give geoscientific input to negotiation of existing contract proposals and manages the execution of work during project implementation
- Lead and provide assistance during negotiations for contract timeframes extension within the framework of the approved contract / scope of work
- Lead tasks or projects and monitor project execution and budget expenditure in line with deliverables and objectives
- Make technical contributions to the compilation of commercial and statutory project tender documents or contracts
- Ensure that the project is executed in line with its objectives
- Recommend resources to tasks and/or projects
- Ensure that the project is executed in budget and on time
- Present research results for key stakeholders at various platforms
- Publish high quality research findings in Council for Geoscience publications and/ or recognised journals
- Give scientific advice to the public key stakeholders in line with organisational policies
- Proficiently present research findings, both in written, electronic and verbal forms
- Liaise directly with consultants, clients, officials and the general public in line with organisational policies
- Develop and implements operating manuals for work procedures in line with ISO standards
- Evaluate work and reports from early-career scientists
- Produce products in line with industry norms, standards and guidelines
- Mentor and coach and facilitate skills transfer to early-career scientists
- Present training workshops /courses
- Evaluate the results, edits reports for publication by early-career scientists, and prepares own work for publication by the Council for Geoscience
- Supervise and provide guidance in the execution of projects by early-career scientists
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
- Knowledge of various geochronological techniques, their analytical requirements, procedures and sample preparation methods.
- Knowledge and understanding of geochronology, isotope geochemistry, mineralising systems, geochemical, geochronological, petrographic, and paleontological themes.
- Knowledge and understanding of geodynamics, regional orogenic-tectono-metamorphic processes and the applications and collection of geoscience data.
- General understanding of treasury guidelines and procurement procedures.
KEY ATTRIBUTES AND REQUIRED SKILLS
- Ability to undertake research within a dynamic and diverse team environment and capable of building interpersonal relations with clear communication
- Able to resolve complex analytical and logistical problems
- Able to oversee the planning and organising of targeted field work and project coordination
- Able to undertake a leadership role with clear communication, management of resources, conflict management and the capability of building professional relationships
- Affinity toward training and development of young/inexperienced geoscientists.
- Affinity toward create, innovative thinking with a significant dedication toward quality management and control
- Affinity toward maintaining the highest level of safety and health management.
- Professional and scientific writing and communication skills
- Computer literacy and the ability to work within a geographic database environment.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- BSc Hons in Geology and 8 years relevant experience in isotope geochemistry and geochronology OR
- MSc or MTech in isotope geochemistry and geochronology and 5 years relevant experience OR
- PhD or DTech in isotope geochemistry and geochronology and 3 years relevant experience AND
- Proven and relevant peer-review publication record, with particular emphasis on regional sedimentology, integration of geoscience datasets and allied thematic research
- SACNASP Registered or eligible SACNSP registration
- Drivers licence (non-negotiable), with 4X4 training certification
- NRF Rating added advantage
The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply, please send your application to careers@geoscience.org.za Please quote the position title (Senior Scientist: Geochronology and Isotope Geochemistry) as reference when submitting your application.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
All appointments are subject to vetting processes.
Closing Date: 24 December, 2020