Post-Doctoral Researcher: Energy Systems Planning and Modelling at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to applied research in energy systems planning, electricity modelling and energy transition pathways under the guidance of senior researchers;
• Support the development, testing, documentation and application of energy system models, power system tools, optimisation methods and scenario frameworks;
• Collect, clean, validate and analyse energy, demand, generation, grid, technology cost and socio-economic datasets;
• Conduct techno-economic assessments of energy technologies, infrastructure options, policy scenarios and investment pathways;
• Participate in modelling exercises, scenario development, literature reviews and interpretation of research findings;
• Prepare draft reports, technical notes, presentations, policy briefs and academic publications for review;
• Engage with government, industry, utilities, research partners and development institutions as part of applied research projects;
• Develop specialist capability in energy and power system modelling through mentorship, applied project work, training and independent learning.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctoral degree in Energy Studies, Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics or a related quantitative discipline relevant to energy systems, power systems, planning or modelling;
• Sound academic knowledge of energy systems, power systems, renewable energy, electricity infrastructure, modelling, optimisation, simulation, data analysis or related quantitative methods;
• Familiarity with programming, modelling or data analysis tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, PyPSA, PowerFactory, HOMER, GIS tools or similar platforms will be an advantage;
• Strong quantitative, analytical, problem-solving and data management abilities, with potential to develop advanced modelling capability through mentorship and applied project work;
• Interest in South Africa¿s energy sector, renewable energy integration, grid planning, electricity markets, tariffs, energy policy or energy transition issues will be an advantage;
• Good writing, communication and presentation skills, with willingness to learn, publish, collaborate and engage with stakeholders;
• No prior professional experience in energy or power system modelling is required; however, the candidate should demonstrate the academic foundation, curiosity and analytical potential to grow into a specialist in this field.