Fresh Vacancies at NECSA

Work Description

• The GMP Formulation Group is seeking outstanding and motivated candidates to apply for a postdoctoral research position that will focus on the GMP compliant production and quality control of potential radiopharmaceuticals (including kit formulations). The researcher will join a dynamic group of scientists involved in translating radiolabelling & quality control processes into GMP compliant methodologies to produce radiopharmaceuticals for evaluation in Phase I-III clinical trials. The candidate must have a good knowledge base regarding the principles of GMP and the regulations/guidelines governing pharmaceutical product manufacturing as well as an understanding of radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemistry. The candidate is expected to contribute to the authoring of general GMP documentation (facility, equipment, processes) and to participate in responsibilities related to the cleanroom facility that is operated and maintained by the Group. The candidate is expected to publish a minimum of two papers (internally or externally peer reviewed) per year and present results obtained at internal group meetings, conferences, colloquiums and workshops. The candidate is also expected to assist in the preparation of funding applications where applicable.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• The candidate should hold a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, ideally specialized in radiochemistry or radiopharmacy, obtained within the past five years. The candidate should not be older than 45 years at the time of application.
• Experience in radionuclide handling, radiolabeling techniques, radiopharmaceutical synthesis and quality control will be an advantage.
• A strong focus on producing research outputs within a team with a minimum of one accepted publication in the last five years with additional publications being an added advantage. Publications should be in the area of Radiochemistry or Pharmaceutical/Radiopharmaceutical Sciences.
• Strong scientific English language proficiencies is a pre-requisite, particularly written.
• Effective communication and teamwork capability in a multi-collaborative and interdisciplinary setting.
• Highly-motivated individual, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in accordance to global GLP and GMP standard

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Work Description

• The candidate will be involved in the development and implementation of computational methods for the applied radiation and nuclear reactor science, with a particular focus on numerical modelling of medical isotope irradiation with existing and novel computational tools and very strong emphasis on optimization of the irradiation planning. The candidate will contribute to implementation of the developed methods in OSCAR-5 reactor computational framework and their verification and validation. Some aspects of the project may involve data science and Machine Learning methods. The candidate will also be responsible for reporting on work completed in departmental meetings, assisting with Honours, Masters and PhD student co-supervision. The candidate will contribute in authoring research reports and publications as well as presenting at conferences and workshops. Candidate is expected to produce a minimum of two papers or reports (internally or externally peer reviewed) per year.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• The candidate should hold a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Applied Mathematics or Operations Research obtained within the past five years. The candidate should not be older than 45 years at the time of application.
• Experience in developing and implementing numerical algorithms, applying optimization, Machine Learning and data science methods, Python programming skills as well as experience of using computational codes utilized in Nuclear Engineering (MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, etc.), would be an advantage.
• Minimum of one accepted publication in the last five years with additional publications an added advantage. Publications should be in the area of Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Applied Mathematics or Operations Research.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are a prerequisite.

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Key Performance Areas:

Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research and development work done in written format; at least as co-author in regular progress reports, annual progress reports, technical reports, local and international conference contributions and journal publications.
• Publish in the relevant field.
• Report research results orally at Necsa wide colloquia and national conferences/ meetings/workshops.
• Provide input on editorial panels and workshops OR conference organizations or topical workshops.
• Perform research and generate outputs in accordance with the role of expert in the relevant technical field of specialisation within the organization.
• Contribute to publications as primary author of peer-reviewed published works.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Provide training to colleagues and students in identified subjects/skills. Provide academic supervision to post-graduate students.
• Contribute as a member or lead a research team with specific responsibilities.
• Contribute to capacity building, outreach events, and other community services. e.g. science week, science expo, etc.
• Co-supervise graduate projects and MSc/MEng level students, and train colleagues in area of expertise.

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

• Execute research and development tasks with no supervision.
• Create know-how or process development that is of commercial and/or strategic value to Necsa, e.g. Innovation Disclosures.
• Contribute to preparation of client reports e.g. calculation or experiment.
• Coordinate defined activities as researcher in projects visible at section/group level.
• Contribute to project design and planning.
• Support the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that meet Necsa’s strategic and academic goals.
• Coordinate technical research projects spanning at least 1 – 2 years.
• Develop proposals for new projects.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Participate and contribute to Business Process Management (e.g. document management and timesheet) Systems.
• Take the lead in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I Representative on SDC, etc.
• Assist in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.

Financial Management

• Support achievement of budget goals and/or develop project budgets as project leader.
• Control cost of managed projects.
• Contribute to increasing research project funding and income availability by leveraging against potential funding streams like the NRF (NEP), TIA Seed Fund, IAEA (TC), Contract Research, etc., in conjunction with reducing wasteful expenditure of research projects.

Key Knowledge & Skills 

Clear demonstration of applications and knowledge of scientific and engineering principles, techniques and a sound research methodology to enable vesting of acquired knowledge in the following:

• Various configurations of thermal neutron detection systems in conjunction with electronics for their analogue signal processing and integration into the instrument control software systems.
• Precision motion control systems that incorporate stepper motors, encoders/ resolvers, limit switches and emergency stops.
• Integration of electronic- and electrical subsystems to ensure full automation with facility infrastructure developments and special projects.
• Data acquisition and data histograming.
• Computer operating systems (Linux) and programming languages such as Python, C, C++, etc.
• Innovative and creative mindset that aims to further develop, optimize and increase the impact of research performed.
• Analytical thinking and good problem-solving capabilities.
• Attention to detail in performing tasks.
• Strive for excellence in all aspects of job performance.
• Situational leadership and good interpersonal communication skills with the ability to motivate subordinates.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Collaborate with group members in the successful operation of currently installed and newly developed systems.
• Report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Clinical and efficient judgement and decision making.
• Thinking and planning towards strategic objectives.
• Able to work or lead a research team.
• Conduct and promote a strong safety culture.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.Eng in Electronic Engineering
• MSc/MEng in Science (Physics) or Engineering (Electronics) will be an added advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a relevant specialised engineering field is required.

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Work Description

• The Smart Radio Sensors is seeking outstanding and motivated candidates to apply for a postdoctoral research position in Applied Radiation Science and/or Nuclear Science. The researcher will join a dynamic group of scientists involved in researching and developing radiation based solutions to address challenges experienced by industry. The candidate will also be responsible for reporting on work completed in group meetings, assisting with Honours, Masters and PhD student co-supervision. The candidate must have a high productivity toward publications, contribute in authoring research reports and presenting at conferences and workshops. Candidate is expected to publish a minimum of two papers (internally or externally peer reviewed) per year. The candidate is also expected to assist in the preparation of grant proposals.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• The candidate should hold a PhD in Radiation Science or Nuclear Physics with a focus on applications of Radiation Detection, obtained within the past five years. The candidate should not be older than 45 years at the time of application.
• A strong focus with be on producing research outputs within a team with a minimum of one accepted publication in the last five years with additional publications an added advantage. Publications should be in the area of Radiation Science or Nuclear Physics.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are a prerequisite.

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Key Performance Areas:

Technical Services and Support

• Supervises technical and support services.
• Implements and assembles enhanced systems independently.
• Investigates and presents solutions to non-routine technical problems.

Design and Development

• Completes the design and commissioning of a subsystem independently.
• Contributes to feasibility studies of a fundamental project within specifications.

Human Capital Development

• Provides coaching and training to individuals/small technical team.
• Guides the development of technical skills of individuals in the field of competence.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Actively utilize the Necsa Business Process Management System.
• Integrate all activities and systems to comply with SHEQ requirements.

Financial Management

• Responsible for the successful and cost-effective execution of specific tasks relevant to a project.
• Perform tasks within defined budget.

Key Knowledge & Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of computers and information technology (IT) systems applicable to line of work. These include:
  • Administer and modernisation of the radiological information systems (RIS), network infrastructure and server-based network applications (Linux and Windows);
  • Management of scientific data servers including Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems;
  • Implementation and maintenance of image processing software across all Imaging infrastructure;
  • Secure scientific data through server storage and backup strategies;
  • Implement RIS IT standards according to international best practice;
  • Develop and safeguard the facility instruments, computer systems, and network documentation;
  • Training of users on the usage of facility instruments, computer systems, and network;
• Basic knowledge of Financial and Project Management.
• Advanced technical management report writing skills.
• Self-training to attain new skills and knowledge when required.
• Supervisory skills.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Knowledge of Database administration;
• Knowledge of instrumentation and control (I&C) including at least a basic knowledge of human machine interfaces (HMI) systems;
• Working experience in radiological and associated industrial / scientific instrumentation;
• Working knowledge of equipment automation through software development, preferably Python, C and C++  development frameworks, as well as open source development tools;
• Knowledge of troubleshooting IT systems and equipment;
• Knowledge of OHSACT and ISO 9001;
• Analytical thinking & attention to detail.
• Problem solving.
• Creativity/Innovation.
• Time & self-management.
• Effective communication.
• Knowledge sharing.
• Teamwork.
• Safety orientation.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• BTech/BSc (Electronics or Instrumentation)
• MTech/MSc (Electronics or Instrumentation) will be an added advantage.

 Experience

• Minimum of 4 years' relevant work experience in Programming, Electronics or Instrumentation 

go to method of application »

Key Performance Areas

Knowledge Dissemination 

• Capture research work done in written format; at least as co-author in regular progress reports, annual progress reports, technical reports, local and international conference contributions and journal publications.
• Publish in the relevant field.
• Report research results orally at Necsa wide colloquia and national conferences/meetings/workshops.
• Independently perform research and generate outputs in the relevant technical field within the organization.
• Contribute to publication as primary author of peer-reviewed published works.

Human Capital Development Local and International 

• Provide training to colleagues and students in identified subjects/skills. Provide academic supervision to post-graduate students.
• Contribute as member or lead a research team with specific responsibilities.
• Contribute to capacity building, outreach events, and other community services. e.g.  Science week, science expo. 
• Co-supervise graduate projects and MSc/MEng level students, and train colleagues in area of expertise.

Contribution to NECSA business processes 

• Execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Create know-how or process development that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa, e.g Innovation Disclosures.
• Contribute to preparation of client reports e.g.  calculation or experiment.
• Coordinate defined activities as researcher in projects visible at section/group level. Contribute to project design and planning.
• Support the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that meet Necsa’s strategic and academic goals.
• Coordinate technical research projects spanning at least 1 -2 years.
• Develop proposals for new projects.

SHEQ and other audits 

• Participate and contribute in Business Process Management (eg. document management and timesheet) Systems.
• Perform activities aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.                              
• Take the lead in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, BBS Management Sponsor, R&I representative on SDC, etc.
• Assist in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.

Financial Management 

• Support achievement of budget goals and or develop project budgets as project leader.
• Increase income (e.g. Research grants like NRF Thuthuka) and reduce wasteful expenditure of research projects.
• Control cost of managed projects. Contribute to increasing research project funding availability by leveraging against potential funding streams like the NRF, TIA Seed fund, IAEA, contract research etc. 

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence
• Technical / professional competence

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and managing change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic / big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• MSc/MEng/MTech. in Science or Engineering.
• 3-4 years’ researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.

OR

• PhD in Science or Engineering.
• 0-2 years’ researcher experience in nuclear reactor safety analysis / reactor thermal-hydraulic analysis.

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Key Performance Areas

Knowledge Dissemination 

• Capture work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc. Maintain consistent publication record (over at least 5-7 recent years).
• Consistently report research results at orally at international conferences/meetings/workshop/etc.
• Lead and support technical activities at national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process.
• Provide technical support on editorial panels and international workshop OR conference organisation on national or international level.
• Represent Necsa at international conferences / workshops.
• Provide leadership with regard to the direction and trends in the field.
• Lead knowledge dissemination and innovation activities via publication, patenting, and contribution to international peer-review processes and awards.

Human Capital Development Local and International 

• Act as mentor for staff members and develop staff to senior and chief levels of research contribution. Participate as study leader of postgraduate students in programs.
• Active leader of multiple research teams. 
• Leverage and improve relationships with academic and institutional networks (with formal relationships in place), to the betterment of human resource development both at Necsa, and at national level.
• Actively engage with academia to improve support of research activities with industry (e.g. via appointment as Adjunct (Associate) Professor at Local/International University).
• Graduate MSc and PhD level students and have established interaction with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to NECSA business processes 

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision. Act as project initiator and leader.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 3-5 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Obtain external funding for Necsa research projects that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI) activities. Such developments must be visible outside of Necsa and contribute to Necsa revenue streams by moving technological developments to higher levels of maturity.
• Directed programs and their associated projects should be well established, multi-disciplinary, and have a long term impact on research direction.

SHEQ and other audits 

• Advise and support on matters related to compliance to the Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.
• Contribute to development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.

Financial Management 

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiatives to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Share responsibility to the meeting of departmental strategic and revenue targets.
• Contribution to divisional (and even organizational) success via contributions to the overall key performance indicators of the division.

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence, Mentoring.
• Technical / professional competence.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and managing change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic / big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

Academic

• PhD/DTech in Science or Engineering.
• Relevant National Research Foundation (NRF) scientific rating (or similar scientific accreditation) considered an advantage.

Minimum experience required

• 15+ years of research experience in reactor physics and radiation transport analysis, as well as numerical method and software code development. This must include at least:
• 5 years in project leadership;
• 3 years in technology development;
• 5 years of experience in human capital development.
• The incumbent should have established international publication track record over at least a 5-10 year period.

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Key Performance Areas:

Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process.
• This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organization on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa at conferences, seminars and workshops; both domestically and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. NRF rating, Honorary Researchers, Member in Science Committees, Invited Speakers, etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialization.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP.
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and Graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2 – 3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI).
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) Representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline Manager and its Associated Responsibilities, Licencing an Operational Compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiative to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/Departmental Strategic and Revenue Targets.

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Necsa expert in area of specialization.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence.
• Technical/professional competence.
• The role requires clear national, and some level of international standing as a specialist in the area of expertise.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and Managing Change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic/big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision making

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

• MSc in Physics.

Minimum Experience

• 8 years’ research experience in radiation detection methods and accelerator physics of which:
• 2 years’ in scientific project management.
• 2 years’ in scientific project coordination.

go to method of application »

Key Performance Areas 

Knowledge Dissemination 

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process. This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organisation on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or as project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa on conferences, seminars and workshops both locally and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, Honorary researcher appointments, Membership in science committees, Invited speakers etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International 

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialisation.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP (Professional Development Programme).
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to NECSA business processes 

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2-3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI). 
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and other audits 

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline manager and its associated responsibilities, licencing an operational compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management 

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiatives to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from Industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/departmental strategic and revenue targets.

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence, Mentoring.
• Technical / professional competence
• The role requires clear national, and some level of international standing as a specialist in the area of expertise.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and managing change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic / big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

Academic

• MSc/MEng/MTech in Science or Engineering.
• PhD/DEng/DTech in relevant field would be an advantage.

Minimum experience required

• 8-10 years research experience in computational method and code development in reactor physics, 2-3 years in scientific project coordination. This should include:
• 5 years experience in computational method and code development in reactor physics;
• 2 to 3 years in project leadership;
• 2 to 3 years in technology development;
• 3 to 4 years of experience in human capital development; and
• 3 to 4 years of experience in computational software development, coding and related software design.