Technician: Characterisation at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Technician: Characterisation in the Future Production Chemicals Cluster within Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM), Materials Characterisation Testing and Analytical Facility. The incumbent will provide technical support in advanced materials characterisation, ensuring high-quality data generation and reliable instrument operation. The position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to the Research Centre Manager: CeNAM.

For more information about the Cluster:

Key responsibilities:

Operate, maintain and support a wide range of characterisation instruments, including but not limited to:

• High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM)
• Electron Microscopy: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Cryo-ultramicrotomy;
• Spectroscopy Techniques: Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy;
• X-ray Techniques: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Small-angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS);
• Thermal and Mechanical Analysis: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Microhardness Testing, Nanoindentation;
• Surface and Particle Analysis: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), particle size analysis (Laser Diffraction, DLS), BET surface area analysis;
• Assist researchers and clients with experimental design, sample preparation and method development;
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and traceability;
• Document operating procedures and contribute to laboratory quality management systems (ISO/SOP’s);
• Provide training and technical support to students, interns, and visiting researchers;
• Contribute to troubleshooting, instrument calibration, and preventative maintenance schedules;
• Support collaborative research projects, technology development, and industry-related service work.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A BSc honours degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field, with at least two years’ experience in operating HRTEM with other multiple characterisation instruments.
• A master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields will be advantageous;
• Strong understanding of material behavior, analysis techniques and data interpretation;
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams;
• Good problem-solving, analytical and report-writing skills;
• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and quality assurance systems;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).