Active Jobs at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Laboratory Manager in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering (TIE) Impact Area within Smart Mobility (SM) cluster. The incumbent will manage the operations of the laboratories in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the TIE group and SM cluster. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Overall management of laboratory systems (all sections) ISO 17025, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 including health and safety.
• Provide technical expertise to the Smart Mobility cluster.
• Technical signatory for all areas managed. Ensure legal appointment of competent person to supervise machinery and ensure safety for Technology Innovation Centre (TIC)
• Authorise results or measurements with all the necessary checks completed as required by the quality system to ensure the validity of results (received the necessary training in ISO 17025).
• Understands the Technical Requirements of SANAS requirements specific to the responsibilities of signatories and the technical field of operation of the laboratory.
• Communicate with higher management regarding Road Materials Testing (RMT) operations
• Outline laboratory and technology innovation centre needs and strategic plans.
• Ensuring expansion of testing capabilities.
• Management and development of human resources.
• Optimise resource and equipment planning for the RMT.
• Be accessible to respond to emergencies.
• Ensure procurement of items and equipment are done efficiently.
• Ensure operational sustainability by maintaining adequate inventory.
• Ensure financial sustainability of the area.
• Budget to achieve financial targets of area.
• Project Management.
• Draft proposals for RMT and consultancy projects (ad-hoc mostly).
• Technical report writing for tests and consultations.
• Marketing/ representing RMT (and cluster) in industry and identify new business.
• opportunities for continual business development.
• Client liaison (internally and externally).
• Technical or business innovation.
• Keep up to date with technology and new methods.
• Keep staff motivated and satisfied with their job.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• B degree or a higher tech diploma in Natural Sciences or other relevant field with at least ten years on a management level/position.
• Business and financial skills to manage and ensure cooperation between the operations and finance units and take overall technical responsibility.
• Must have attention to details, strong financial acumen, effective management, ability to motivate staff, effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities, customer service, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the Laboratory Quality Management System and operations of the Laboratory and Road Materials Innovation workshop environments.
• In-depth knowledge of the test methods and methods requirements.
• General communication, strategic planning, management, people/team building skills, and presentation.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 17025, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 systems and OHSA
• Knowledge of road materials fundamentals for each section.
• Ability to multi-task and cope with industry pressures and demands.
• Computer literacy and technical proficient.
• Must be aware and compliant with the SANAS Regulations.
• Inclination to advanced technology.
• Knowledge of SANAS ISO standard for the labs.
• Knowledge of EHS systems.
• Ability to handle more than one issue at a time.
• Ability to cope with industry pressure and demands.
• Computer literacy.
• People/team building skills.
• Attention to detail.

Closing date: 13 November 2025

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader in the Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM) within Chemicals Cluster, Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Research Group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide RDI leadership by implementing the HySA group RDI strategy, which is responsive to Chemicals Cluster/CeNAM RDI strategy-relevant technology trends, impact, growth, investment, R&D, technology transfer, commercialisation, Obtaining funding, HCD and transformation;
• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization Group;
• Ensure a well-balanced impact capability- identify and develop specific (not general) impact/application domain knowledge;
• Ensure that HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization team is dynamic, remain abreast of S&T and industry trends, remaining innovative and competitive;
• Effective management of HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization research group staff;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting-edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering, to ensure integrated capability;
• Manage staff members’ performance in collaboration with CeNAM manager;
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry-aligned RDI;
• Manage strategic stakeholder relationship for the HySA and CO2 Capture and Utilization group to secure appropriate, integrated research and industry programmes;
• Implement and comply with appropriate management and systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Apply appropriate processes and policies to ensure IP protection, technology transfer, impact and appropriate benefit from IP in collaboration with the Commercialisation Manager;
• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment and package technologies for commercialisation or develop an investment-ready business through financial modelling, market assessment and business plan development, in collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master's degree in chemical engineering/chemistry with at least five years’ of experience in fields of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilisation and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU)
• Professional registration will be advantageous;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Proven experience in obtaining External public and private sector funding;
• Communication, presentation skills, research, and report writing skills;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Ability to convert industry/clients’ requirements to technical deliverables;
• Ability to understand complete integration of technology to produce a functional product;
• Problem solving, facilitation and interpersonal skills in a goal-oriented approach;
• Track record and/or ability to produce actual device such as sensor unit;
• Strong Project Management skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: DLT in the Emerging Digital Technologies for fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the fields  expertise  within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and off-chain data, and related blockchain protocols.

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio: 

• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering, information technology or related field with at least six years’ experience in blockchain/distributed ledger or cryptocurrency-related technologies within a Research Development and Innovation environment;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international Research Development and Innovation networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Researcher: Hydrologist (Surface Water Modelling) in the Water Research Centre, within the Smart Places cluster.
• The incumbent will conduct research in the hydrological field as it relates to the surface-water modelling,  and understanding of hydrological impacts through hydrological assessments and modelling, including water resources assessment and planning, development and management, flood prediction and design, and coupled systems 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/Stellenbosch.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the Water Research Centre;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines to support Water Resource Management;
• 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;
• Conceptualise, structure, management and implementation of multi-disciplinary research projects.
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Fulfilling a leadership role in the water resources management projects and be responsible for securing research projects;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in strategic stakeholder engagements;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to water resources assessment, catchment management plans, integrated water resources planning and management, master planning, hydrological assessment, water resources modelling, systems analysis, flood risk assessment, water demand analysis, hydraulics and spatial analysis.
• Lead hydrological modelling project activities for a wide range of applications, including water resources planning, development and management, flood prediction and design, and coupled systems modelling including, for example, water quality, hydro-ecology and climate;
• Assessment of hydrological impact of future system response, for example to climate and land management change;Undertake surface water yield measurement techniques and extrapolation of information from the available measurements in space and time to generate stream flow estimates and trends over long periods;
• Application of hydrological models to generate historical, current or natural stream flow records in order establish future yields or scenario modelling;
• Forecasting future seasonal stream flow to inform planning and management decisions relating to available water resources and to ensure security of supply; 
• Establishing current water allocation amounts and usage patterns;
• Developing the hydrological model node and link network;
• Calibrating and verifying the model;
• 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.

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of water technology and solutions to industry/user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an “investment ready business” through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Masters degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Hydrogeology or related natural science discipline associated with the Water Resources Modelling or BSc Eng/BEng in a relevant civil engineering discipline complimented by a relevant postgraduate qualification;
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or SACNASP registration as a professional natural scientist or legible to register as a professional engineer/natural scientist immediately;
• At least five years’ experience in hydrological modelling space as it relates to surface water modelling and the understanding of hydrological impacts of land-use changes through measurements;
• At least five years’ experience in surface water (yield) measuring techniques.
• Applied knowledge and understanding of surface water resource modelling and systems optimisation;
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary team of professionals, mentor and manage people and have strong inter-personal and networking skills;
• Proven track record in leading surface water modelling research projects;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Decisiveness and action orientation;
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market ‘innovation’ value chain.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Problem solving, solution seeking orientation;

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About the job: 

• The Southern Ocean Carbon Climate Observatory at the CSIR has a vacancy for Senior Researcher. The incumbent will investigate the role and interactions of waves, current and wind in driving surface ocean turbulence (mixing) and the subsequent role in modulating air-sea gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
• This will be carried out using in situ observations from co-ordinated twinned deployments of surface Wave Gliders and Slocum buoyancy gliders, equipped with microstructure shear probes, ADCP, wave height sensor, surface meteorological and CO2 flux sensors (VeGAS-pCO2).
• Integration with satellite-derived reanalyses products, wave model simulations, and turbulence theory will allow the researcher to assess how wind-wave-bubble mixing processes influence CO2 and exchange at event-to-seasonal scales, and  how these processes may contribute to regional differences in carbon and oxygen budgets.
• This position is based in Rosebank, Cape Town.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to experimental design and the implementation of the glider field campaigns;
• Ensure community best practices for pre-deployment calibration of glider sensors (oxygen) are followed, and assist in quality control of resultant datasets;
• Analyse, interpret, and integrate observational and modelling datasets to address the project¿s scientific objectives, publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and contributing to high-visibility science outputs.
• Participate in the broader collaborative activities of the SOCCO programme, with opportunities for international interdisciplinary research. 
• Work within a dynamic, world-leading team and help shape future strategies for ocean carbon-climate monitoring and management

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctoral degree in physical oceanography, environmental/Earth science, chemistry, physics with at least five years experience conducting oceanographic research with ocean robotics (gliders)
• Experience in measuring, post processing and interpreting glider data fields (e.g. temp, salinity, optics, oxygen etc).
• An understanding of upper ocean physical processes (surface boundary layer) and (sub)mesoscale dynamics
• Strong coding experience (Matlab/Python) towards data processing, analysis and visualisation.
• A desire to participate in research cruises.
• Demonstrated track record of international collaboration and publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication skills, including capacity-building and postgraduate supervision.
• Capacity for independent work and working under pressure.
• A track record of conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in analysis of ocean microstructure data.
• Experience of student supervision.

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Researcher in the Water Research Centre, within the Smart Places cluster. The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating state-of-the-art ecohydrological instruments, as well as using this data to develop innovative tools for irrigation scheduling, and crop yield prediction. They will also be required to possess a blend of advanced field instrumentation skills and modeling expertise to quantify and manage agricultural water use effectively. This position is based in Stellenbosch. 

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment, goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the Water Research Centre;
• Promote a culture of excellence in science, engineering and technology (SET), and provide RDI leadership in multiple disciplines to support Water Resource Management; 
• 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 and integrated planning; 
• Raise personal, team and institutional profiles through publishing original and novel research and presenting work at national and international conferences and workshops; 
• Conceptualise, structure, manage, and implement research projects; 
• Contribute to policy research in support of South Africa¿s national priorities; 
• Assist with the management of projects through robust and integrated planning; 
• Liaise with both internal and external clients and other relevant stakeholders; 
• Assist in conceptualisation, structuring, management and implementation of multi-disciplinary research projects;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Contribute to proposal writing and other fundraising efforts to secure external funding for new research projects.
• Lead and conduct research on agricultural water management in rainfed and irrigated systems, with a focus on field data collection and modelling
• Install, maintain, and operate a range of state-of-the-art field instruments, including: (eddy Covariance systems, automated weather stations, soil moisture probe, sap flow sensors and plant physiological equipment); 
• Develop, adapt, and apply innovative modelling approaches and tools, including hydrological and crop growth simulation models, remote sensing, and GIS, to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ET), assess water use efficiency, and predict crop yield.
• Design and implement field research activities to collect ground-based data (e.g., soil moisture, weather data, biomass, transpiration, evapotranspiration, yield) for model calibration and validation.
• Develop user-friendly decision support systems (DSSs) and ICT-based tools (e.g., mobile apps, web platforms, etc.,) in a quest to provide real-time, field-specific irrigation scheduling recommendations to farmers.
• Analyse complex datasets and interpret results to inform water management policies and planning, and to understand the impact of water stress on crop productivity.
• Engage in participatory research approaches with farmers, extension officers, and stakeholders to ensure tools are practical, user-friendly, and integrate local knowledge with scientific data.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers and students, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in strategic stakeholder engagements;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection, and technology transfer;

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of water technology and solutions to industry/user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an investment ready business through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Masters degree or equivalent qualification in Agricultural Science, Agricultural Meteorology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or a closely related field.
• Registration with SACNASP as a professional natural scientist, or eligibility for immediate registration as a professional natural scientist.
• Proficiency in computing, with exposure to basic environmental or hydrological modelling considered an advantage.
• Understanding of field data collection, with a willingness to learn and apply new research and monitoring techniques.
• Strong statistical skills, including the use of basic and advanced statistics for processing and analysing large datasets.
• Knowledge of field instrumentation, including flux towers, weather stations, and sap flow systems.
• Experience in designing field trials and managing data collection processes.
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and experience in preparing technical reports and research documents.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to deliver clear presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a large and multi-disciplinary research team.
• Willingness to travel extensively for fieldwork and collaborative research activities.
• Skills in Business Development and financial acumen; 
• Conflict management skills; 
• Decisiveness and action orientation; 
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks;
• An understanding of the research to market `innovation value chain. 
• Problem solving, solution seeking orientation

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Project Manager in the Business Excellence and Integration Portfolio. The incumbent will apply project management expertise together with appropriate technical acumen to achieve project goals by managing the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s).
• This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting the Business Excellence and Integration Management team to co-ordinate the conceptualisation of projects, drive/follow-up on execution and ensure timely monitoring and evaluation.
• Managing projects by developing and continuously updating project plans, project requirements using a team-based approach and the business case to ensure that the project outputs remain desirable, viable and achievable.
• Contribute to the conceptualisation of new projects involving application of technical areas.
• Organising project governance and team structures, defining roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.
• Successfully deliver on projects, on brief, on budget, on time, every time.
• Manage a team and stakeholders (facilitate and negotiate), including communication (e.g. regular internal and external team meetings and progress reporting).
• Manage finances, consolidation and administration.
• Support the Business Excellence and Integration team in formulating and writing proposals.
• Support the Business Excellence and Integration Management team and its operations to improve internal processes, tools and systems.
• Provide advice to project participants; serve as a liaison; performing research, analysing information, providing documentation, and preparing reports.
• Generate documentation, correspondence and presentations in support of the portfolio.
• Work across geographical boundaries with multiple stakeholders.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelors degree in science or related fields with at least eight years work experience of which five years should be as a Project Manager, which must include the following:
• A proven track record of managing complex medium-scale, multi-partner projects.
• A deep understanding of agile project management implementation methodologies.
• Extensive knowledge of government policies and processes (e.g., tendering and procurement).
• A certification in Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP or a diploma) will be an added advantage.
• Experience in working with project teams across organisational boundaries, under tight and dynamic deadlines.
• Experience in working with senior executives in the private, public and academic sectors.
• The following would be advantageous:
• A Postgraduate qualification
• Professional registration with relevant bodies, e.g. PRINCE2, PMP
• Project management experience within a policy or regulatory environment.
• Skills and knowledge in the following areas:
• Strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies (IOT, AI and DLT in particular) and their implementation in various domains.
• Exposure to research, development and innovation environments.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with many uncertainties, being able to learn and adjust accordingly.
• Sound financial management and business development skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Knowledge of project management software.
• Excellent problem solving, planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to take responsibility and operate as a self-starter.
• Ability to work with diverse environments and cultures.
• Great presentation skills are a requirement for this position.

Closing date: 19 November 2025

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Masters Studentship: Command and Control Systems in the Command-and-Control Integrated Systems Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster.
• The incumbent will be conducting research primarily in the area of securing infrastructure and enterprise security against physical threats and will also focus on innovation as the threat landscape evolves.

Research areas: 

• Command and Control Capabilities, including
• Systems Engineering
• Critical Infrastructure protection
• Situation Awareness
• Future work
• Enterprise Architecture
• AI 
• And other CCS-related topics

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Master¿s research topic;
• Compile the Master's dissertation and defend the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the master research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours degree in electronic/computer engineering or a related field.
• Register for a Masters qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor).
• Knowledge of the systems engineering methodologies, standards and tools.
• Experience in Model-based systems engineering, using tools such as CORE or Genesys, and security technologies will be advantageous
• Knowledge in risk assessment 
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with diverse teams of people.