Nuclear Energy and SMR Strategic Advisor

Supporting the growth of an advanced nuclear energy platform, this position guides technical strategy, evaluates reactor technologies, and identifies strategic intellectual property suitable for commercialisation. The role focuses on small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), and related nuclear technology developments, utilising South Africa as an important development and commercialisation market. Working on a part-time advisory basis for approximately 5 to 10 hours per month over an initial 90-day mandate, the post holder collaborates with executive management and engineering teams to shape commercialisation roadmaps. Operating remotely with international and South African collaboration, the post holder evaluates reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, safety systems, advanced fuels, and enabling technologies, while connecting the initiative to institutional research networks, universities, and industrial partners. Key Responsibilities Advise management on technology selection, technical positioning, and commercialisation strategy for SMR, microreactor, and advanced-reactor platforms. Review proposed reactor technologies, engineering packages, design concepts, and technical partner capabilities. Identify patents, software, designs, know-how, and research programmes suitable for licensing, assignment, option-to-license, or joint development. Introduce the project to universities, research laboratories, technology-transfer offices, engineering groups, and nuclear-industry partners. Assist with discussions surrounding sponsored research, technology licensing, joint development, and intellectual property transfer. Provide specialist input across technical areas including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, safety, materials, fuels, or software/modelling. Support the construction of a practical technical roadmap spanning research, engineering, demonstration, licensing, and commercialisation. Participate selectively in key meetings with strategic partners, investors, government stakeholders, technical counterparties, and South African nuclear institutions. Execute initial 90-day deliverables, including technical review, technology prioritisation, IP identification, partner introductions, and technical advisory board recommendations. Requirements Doctorate (PhD), professorial standing, senior researcher background, or senior nuclear engineer experience (typically 15+ years of relevant experience). Deep technical experience in advanced nuclear areas such as SMR/microreactor design, HTGR/PBMR, reactor physics, thermal hydraulics/CFD, TRISO/advanced fuels, molten-salt reactors, reactor safety/licensing, nuclear materials, fuel cycle, nuclear heat applications, or nuclear engineering software/modelling. Demonstrated track record in advanced-reactor R&D, commercial reactor programmes, national laboratories, universities, or nuclear technology enterprises. Willingness to contribute on a part-time advisory basis (5 to 10 hours per month) with flexibility to scale as projects advance. Desirable Requirements Experience with patent evaluation, technology transfer, sponsored research, research commercialisation, or industry partnerships. Direct experience developing or working with technology suitable for license, assignment, or joint development. Active relationships across universities, research laboratories, reactor developers, technology-transfer offices, or nuclear technology entities. International experience alongside familiarity with South African nuclear institutions and ecosystems