Candidate Researcher - Pretoria at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Candidate Researcher in the Transport Systems and Operations Impact Area in the Smart Mobility Cluster. The CSIR is seeking a highly motivated candidate to support cutting-edge research projects aimed at improving the performance of South Africa’s logistics and transportation network by providing well informed and scientifically proven technological solutions. The Candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary collaborative setting and will support a team of senior and principal researchers by assisting with data collection and management, modelling (e.g., simulation modelling, optimisation, macroeconomic modelling, etc.), IT platform development, testing, and more.  Strong critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, and organisational skills are required, and candidates are expected to have some understanding of the importance of an efficient logistics and supply chain sector. This position is based in Pretoria, and the incumbent will be expected to travel from time to time to different parts of the country, and as such possession of a driver’s license and ability to drive is necessary.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the application of modelling approaches and methods, including simulation modelling, optimisation, economic modelling, systems and process mapping, and others.
• Collect, analyse, and manage data.
• Support research work (e.g., conduct literature reviews) and scientific report writing.
• Communicate with and assist the developers to correct and maintain the IT platform(s) under development // Implement minor changes to IT platform(s) developed.
• Recommend and implement strategies to improve data collection and integration into IT platforms.
• Develop own skills in modelling and analysis approaches, methods, and software.
• Develop own career to progress on the CSIR career ladder;
• Promote the CSIR’s EPIC culture (i.e., pursue Excellence, celebrate People, personify Integrity, and welcome Collaborations).

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, operations research, or related fields  
• Highly numerate;
• Ability to write scientific reports;
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis;
• Good communication, presentation and writing skills; and
• Studying towards a higher degree in science, engineering and technology will be an added advantage.
• A good understanding of fundamental programming principles.
• Experience with various modelling approaches and methods.
• A background in macroeconomics will be an added advantage.

 Closing date: 21 February 2024