Technician at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About The Job

• The CSIR has a temporary vacancy for a Technician: Polymer Processing and Characterisation in the Advanced Polymer Composite Research Group within the Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM). The purpose of this role is to provide research support of highly technical equipment to assist the South African research community in higher education, research councils and industry in efforts to research and commercialise Nano-micro Devices Manufacturing Facility (NMDMF) products. This position is based in Pretoria.
• For more info about the centre, please visit: https://www.csir.co.za/dsi-csir-national-centre-nanostructured-materials-characterisation-facility

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches for research projects;
• Conduct experimental work in the laboratory;
• Assist Researchers and Operators where needed;
• Operate Scaling-up plant equipment (e.g. Extruders, Injection moulding machine, roto-moulders, film blowers, etc.);
• Conduct polymer material characterisation for the research group, including mechanical, thermal, flow test;
• Compile reports and other project related documents and general housekeeping of labs and Scaling-up plants;
• Adhere to safe operation of the work environment.
   

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in polymer technology, chemical engineering, chemistry or equivalent with at least two years’ experience in polymer processing equipment operation (extrusion, injection moulding, film blowing, roto-moulding). A Master’s degree would be advantageous;
• Research in polymer nanocomposites, especially clay-based composites;
• Polymer characterisation (e.g. mechanical, thermal tests).
• Must have acceptable communication and presentation skills;
• Research and report-writing skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• A goal-oriented approach;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer literacy.

Closing date: 02 April 2020

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.