Researcher: Civil Engineer at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

bout the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Researcher in the Water Centre Area, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and conducting research projects in the field of Civil Engineering in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This position is based in Pretoria.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/smart-places

Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, guide and manage R&D projects within the water value-chain infrastructure;
• Provide strategic direction to R&D activities, understand, and analyse real world problems and user requirements, select from a range of proposed conceptual solutions, formulate key research questions and appropriate R&D approaches;
• Develop operations and maintenance planning for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Develop Asset Care management documentation;
• Development of strategic infrastructure planning documentation;
• Design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
• Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water network schemes;
• Utilize software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Manage project life cycle, technical resources, scheduling of activities to meet client expectations, balancing competing demands on scope, time, cost and quality;
• Develop proposals for different institutions to generate appropriate funds to pursue the strategic objectives of the CSIR;
• Engage with research programs and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science at national and international level;
• Network with peers in the field expertise within and outside of the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Generate research papers, reports, reviews, and summaries;
• Manage and ensure the development of self and interns through coaching, mentoring, work assignment, structured training, and appropriate supervision to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A BEng degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering with at least five years’ experience in the field of water engineering;
• A postgraduate degree in civil engineering or Water Engineering will be an added advantage
• Must have a valid driver’s licence;
•  At least three years in design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
• Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance planning documents for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Professional registration with ECSA will be an added advantage;
• Knowledge and understanding of hydraulic modelling is essential;
• Knowledge of civil/water engineering practice and understanding of the water value chain.
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer (MS software), programming and IT skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to network and proactively establish and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients as well as the research community.

Closing date: 03 August 2023