Senior Researcher at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Senior Researcher in the Smart Places Cluster within the Water Center. The incumbent will conduct research in the hydrogeological field as it relates to the groundwater modelling and understanding of hydrogeological impacts of land-use changes through hydrogeological assessments and modelling, including measures to enable and promote smart water use, and develop high quality and commecialisable/implementable technical outputs. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Promote a culture of SET excellence (quality and delivery) and providing research leadership;
• Promote a culture of industrialization of research outcomes;
• Interact with stakeholders (clients, peers, etc.) within fields of expertise to develop long-term relationships both within and outside the CSIR;
• Conduct project management through robust, integrated planning;
• Raise personal, team and institutional profiles through publishing original research and presenting work at national and international conferences and workshops;
• Write, and review research proposals; research reports, client reports and peer-reviewed publications;
• Conceptualise, structure, manage and implement research projects;
• Contribute to policy research in support of South Africa’s national priorities;
• Liaise with both internal and external clients and other relevant stakeholders;
• Conceptualise, structure, management and implementation of multi-disciplinary research projects.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A   Master’s degree in hydrogeology; preference being a doctoral degree in hydrogeology with at least five years’ experience in hydrogeology as it relates to groundwater modelling and the understanding of hydrological impacts of land-use changes through measurements.
• At least five years’ experience in groundwater source and aquifer zoning and smart water use techniques;
• Applied knowledge and understanding of groundwater resource modelling and systems optimisation;
• Conceptualisation, structuring, management and implementation of multi-disciplinary research projects;
• Contribute to policy research in support of South Africa’s national priorities;
• Write, and review research proposals; research reports, client reports and peer-reviewed publications;
• Liaise with both internal and external clients and other relevant stakeholders;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Project management skills;
• Research and report writing skills;
• Communication and presentation skills;
• Problem solving, solution seeking orientation;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and mentoring;
• High level conceptualisation and analytical skills;
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills;
• Computer literacy.

Closing date: 15 August 2023