Current Job Vacancies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Network Administrator in the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) area, within the National Integration Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), which is hosted by Next Generation Enterprises and Institution cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to manage both the HPC and Cloud Network and other CHPC IT systems. This will include but not limited to, identify, analyse, and react to security incidents, events, and threats, and manage security controls. This position is based in Rosebank, Cape Town.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and implement network infrastructure for HPC and OpenStack Cloud, including physical and virtual network components;
• Manage HPC network and ensuring compliance with security policies and procedures;
• Implement network automation and orchestration using tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef;
• Collaborate with OpenStack administrators, HPC administrators, developers, and operations teams to ensure smooth integration and operation of the OpenStack and HPC platforms;
• Keep up to date with the latest network technologies and trends, and evaluating their potential impact on HPC and OpenStack;
• Design and implement security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies, to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the HPC and OpenStack Cloud resources;
• Design and implement the network infrastructure to ensure optimal performance of the HPC systems. This includes configuring the HPC network switches, routers, and other hardware components to support the high-bandwidth requirements of the HPC applications;
• Monitor the performance of the HPC systems and identifies bottlenecks and other issues that affect system performance, optimize the performance of the system, including tuning the network and adjusting system settings;
• Provide technical support to users of the HPC systems, including troubleshooting and resolving issues related to system performance, and Network related issues;
• Ensure HPC network device cabling and connectivity needs are designed, implemented and deployed in keeping with industry standards;
• Work with and keep up to date on networking technology from a diverse range of vendors.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, computer science/engineering, electronic engineering, or related field with at least five years’ experience in an academic or research community environment, HPC network and Security support;
• Experience with system management, monitoring/alerting tools (e.g., Ganglia, Nagios, Prometheus, Zabbix)
• Experience in interfacing with HPC network technologies such as InfiniBand;
• Experience supporting (HPC) High Performance Computing environments;
• Experience with the use of configuration management and orchestration tools such as Ansible;
• Demonstrated experience with installation, configuration, testing and operation of network equipment from multiple equipment providers;
• Network programming experience including the ability to automate network management;
• Knowledge of Linux Open-source tools, operating systems, and network administration;
• Knowledge and experience diagnosing system issues on Linux-based clusters;
• Knowledge and experience with open Networking, specifically Cumulus Linux;
• Technical knowledge of Linux-based cloud infrastructure technologies, such as: virtualisation, containerisation, software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualisation (NFV), high speed networks, and orchestration;
• Demonstrated ability to quantify, analyse, determine root cause, and resolve system and communication network issues, and develop preventive actions;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, to include the ability to lead moderately complex projects or small project teams.

Closing date: 12 March 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Systems Administrator in the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) area, within the National Integration Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), which is hosted by Next Generation Enterprises and Institution cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for setup and ongoing support of virtual machines (VMs), Cloud database portal, OpenStack cloud infrastructure, HPC and other CHPC ICT systems. The position is based in Cape Town.

Key responsibilities:

• Provision and de-provision of VMS and cloud accounts;
• Deploy, manage, and operate cloud environments;
• Contribute and identify appropriate use and operational best practices;
• Create (where appropriate) automation, to streamline provisioning and de-provisioning processes;
• Assist users with their cloud-related inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing guidance on how to effectively use OpenStack services and resources;
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, guidelines, and best practices for the OpenStack cloud environment;
• Lead certain data/service migration projects;
• Lead/Contribute on new projects or upgrade of systems;
• Back-up servers and associated operating systems and software;
• Demonstrate leadership in either field of HPC/Cloud (storage, cluster/cloud design and configuration, interconnects or applications porting and tuning)
• Conduct research on HPC and cloud related hardware and software in support of procurement and system development;  
• Proactively keep up to date with the latest developments and advancements in OpenStack technology;
• Monitor the health and performance of the OpenStack cloud environment;
• Participate on Human Capital Development initiatives;
• Take initiatives and be a team player.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National diploma or Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field (e.g. computer systems engineering, computer science) with at least five years’ experience in LINUX system administrator, of which one year should be in Cloud administration;
• Experience in the following would be advantageous:
  • Linux system administration;
  • Linux based Cloud systems administration; 
  • Implementations of cluster technologies;
  • Linux installation and packaging tools, especially RPM;
• Should have knowledge and experience working with Dev-ops tools;
• Should have knowledge about HPC;
• Proven experience with systems planning, security principles, and general software management best practices;
• Extensive experience with bash, python scripting and more;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment;
• Detail-oriented, strong work ethic and high standard of excellence;
• Fast learner, achiever, sets high personal goals;
• Must be able to multitask projects and meet their respective deadlines.

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Software Engineer in the Radar and Electronic Warfare Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design and develop software applications, modules, and sub-systems for use in the Integrated Radar Software Solutions Research Group. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret requirements and specifications for design and development;
• Design, development and testing of Real-Time signal and data processing applications for Radar Systems;
• Debug, fault find, test and perform software release in accordance with set procedures;
• Comply with project configuration management systems and practice;
• Generate data packs and design documentation;
• Understand and implement full software development life cycle;

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic or computer engineering with an exposure in the following:
  • C++;
  • Signal processing;
  • Development of computational software in radar data processing and control or related fields such as machine learning;
  • Development for deployment on both Windows and Linux;
• A Master’s degree in related engineering field will be advantageous;
• Training, knowledge and/or experience in the following is an advantage:
  • Embedded Software Development;
  • Data visualisation, Map Display software and GUI development;
  • Boost Library;
  • Qt to develop GUIs;
  • Software and hardware design processes and methodologies;
  • Computational high level language experience such as MATLAB or Python;
  • Electronic hardware and software interfacing and integration;
  • Understanding of RF and high speed digital systems;
  • Systems engineering, especially for software systems; 
• Proven capability of document preparation;
• Strong analytical thinking skills;
• Ability to obtain or maintain a positive security clearance is compulsory.

Closing date: 17 March 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Maintenance Planner in the Facilities Management and Security Services (FM&SS) Portfolio.

The purpose of the job is:

• To plan maintenance and technical services work through job scoping, resource allocation, procurement of materials and services and ensure implementation of works timeously;
• To use the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), asset register and maintenance tasks to ensure all equipment is maintained to requirements;
• To monitor and generate reports on maintenance performance for presentation during planning and scheduling meetings with maintenance supervisors and Management;

The position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Implement of maintenance strategies and developing maintenance procedures;
• Utilize latest Maintenance Management tools to ensure effective maintenance of all assets;
• Proactively manage communication and relationships with all customers. Act as liaison between customers and FM&SS staff on FM&SS related issue;
• Apply the latest maintenance safety technologies to ensure best-in-class maintenance safety performance and statutory compliance;
• Develop detailed work packages for preventive maintenance routine (PMR) and corrective maintenance activities for maintenance teams;
• Analyse and screen corrective maintenance (CM) job cards and burning maintenance issues for opportunities to perform root cause failure analysis to prevent future failures. Coordinate root cause analysis;
• Analyse spare parts inventory requirements and continuously improve inventory control;
• Compile of weekly reports for presentation and discussion at planning and scheduling meetings to assist supervisors with backlog management;
• Implement FM&SS’s procurement requirements for spares, materials, and outsourced work;
• Update maintenance tasks per asset to capture any changes and improvements and ensure job cards from the CMMS always have current information;

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering with at least three years Maintenance Planning experience;
• Supervision of skilled maintenance trades will be advantageous;
• Good organizational skills;
• Experience in analysing trends in performance parameters;
• Computer literacy;
• Knowledge and experience in use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) will be advantageous;
• Planning and organising;
• Verbal & written communication;
• Teamwork.    

Closing date: 13 March 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Management Accountant (Portfolios) in the Financial Services portfolio.The incumbent will be responsible to partner with management and support management decision making through effective financial planning, performance management and reporting, ensuring accurate and complete financial information, maintaining effective financial controls, and assisting management in the formulation of effective solutions to support the implementation of the organization`s strategy. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

Prepare standard financial report: data analytics and measurements

• Plan, communicate and manage month-end, year-end and ad hoc processes required to ensure accurate and complete monthly and annual financial results and follow-up and resolve outstanding queries
• Compile, analyse and interpret monthly management accounts for relevant business areas, including detailed variance analysis with accurate and relevant stakeholders to mitigate financial risk and met financial targets.
• Prepare relevant ad-hoc reports and data analysis to provide insight into business performance, including predictive results, to support effective management decision making and improve financial sustainability.
• Ensure relevance of reports and implement improvements on continuous basis.
• Ensure that all are accurate, completed and approved with the required timeframes.

Contract Management: for ensuring accurate and complete commercial contracting and financial results

• Ensure compliance with terms and conditions of commercial agreements for both customers and suppliers
• Review accuracy and completeness of the contract milestones/deliverables, billing plans, budget allocations and cost centres on the financial system to monitor and report on progress
• Ensure that contracts (and associated projects) are correctly classified, and register based on the required accounting standard which is informed by the relevant IFRS/IAS contract classification checklist
• Ensure that a signed copy of contract, routing sheet and accounting standard classification checklist is registered on the system to ensure ease of access to supporting documents and electronic audit trail
• Prepare/review weekly, monthly and annual contract reports, including analysis to identify gaps and areas of concern.  Provide reports to relevant manager/line staff, including recommended actions required to ensure contract delivery in terms of performance obligations
• Ensure that contract/project specific reports are prepared based on client specification and requirements are as per signed agreements to include progress against plan (if applicable)
• Review and approve contract reconciliations prepare by the financial administration/accounting officers for accuracy and correctness and ensure queries have been actioned timeously
• Ensure that contract/project management meetings are attended by relevant finance team members

Finance Service Delivery: ensure high levels of internal customer satisfaction through delivering high quality Finance products and services for the organisation

• Financial Management
  • Ensure that all financial information for relevant areas of responsibility is recorded accurately and completely
  • Formulate and recommend relevant revenue and costing models informed by latest information, benchmarking, and best practice to improve operational decision making and profitability within areas of responsibility
  • Identify and implement cost savings initiatives and efficiencies within areas of responsibility
  • Review and approve manual journals and upload (including correction of errors, provisions and accruals, bad debt, manual adjustments, zero rate vat, forecast, interest capitalisation and monthly overhead cost recovery) to accurately reflect financial information and cost distribution for accurate financial month-end results
  • Scrutinise the trial balance before month end to ensure completeness and validity of entries and follow up on abnormal or missing entries.  Consider accruals and discuss findings, recommendations, and corrections with Finance Manager
  • Ensure that monthly reconciliations for relevant income statement and balance sheet accounts are prepared and reviewed and that reconciling items are resolved and cleared timeously
  • Provide information and substantiating documentation to central Finance to clear items from control accounts and ensure expenses are correctly accounted for and assets added in the correct categories
• Manage the budget process
  • Plan, communicate and manage the budget process in terms of annual directive for areas of responsibility
  • Provide financial information and budget requirements to managers to enable them to prepare their budgets
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of budget base data received from the internal CSIR department to assist with accurate internal overheads/recoveries planning
  • Ensure the budgets are accurately captures on the CSIR budget system
  • Consolidate budgets for review by Financial Manager and relevant operational manager
• Manage the forecast process
  • Plan, communicate and managed the monthly forecast process for areas of responsibility
  • Engage with Division/Portfolio and department managers to ensure accuracy and reliability of information used as a basis for forecasts
  • Consolidate forecasts including variance analyses and corrective actions for review by Financial Manager and relevant operational manager
  • Review/approve forecast adjustment journals and ensure that journals are updated into system as per agreed upon forecast
• Interact with customers and stakeholders (internal and external)
  • Maintain professionalism in all interactions
  • Ensure that all queries are resolved timeously

Support internal/External audits to ensure compliance to stated financial objectives and audit requirements

• Engage with internal and external auditors to understand the audit requirements and to ensure an efficient audit is conducted within the required frames
• Provide system and process descriptions and other information requirements, on project specific audits, internal audit requests/reports and annual/specific external audits to comply with stated objectives of the audit and financial requirements and to assist the auditors in meeting set deadlines
• Review and provide recommendations and implement corrective action as agreed

Governance and compliance: compliance to financial framework and relevant legislation and implementation of effective financial controls within the Business areas

• Review and recommend business process improvements to the financial manager or relevant responsible persons to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of financial support
• Communicate and assist with the implementation of CSIR policy and process changes to ensure compliance by staff

Financial Administration

• Provide management oversight and direction to all financial administration activities, including:
  • Ensure the Business areas Petty Cash float is managed and accounted for through regular cash counts and that petty cash expenses are within policy and procedures and that total expenses and cash reconciles with the petty cash float (where relevant)
  • Ensure effective management of open orders, ensuring timely follow up and action to close orders by Financial Administration Officers
  • Ensure local and overseas employee reimbursement claims are verified that the appropriate and supporting documentation is attached and that the correct cost centres are indicated, the correctness of the approval by the direct managers are validated, before approving and submitting for processing
  • Review and approve voice and data allowances for areas of responsibility
  • Ensure effective record keeping
  • Any other financial administration related activities

Support Finance Team

• Coach, train and manage performance of staff or junior team members
• Ensure team members perform their duties in accordance with their job requirements
• Evaluate segregation of duties continuously to ensure the control environment remains intact
• Identify gaps for training or development of staff to assist with skills retention and succession planning
• Provide training to support finance team on the business process requirements of contract management and project administration and the impact of transactions processed in the financial system to provide them with a good understanding of their responsibilities in performing their duties efficiently in support of the Division/Portfolio
• Foster a culture of excellence, customer service and continuous improvement

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting/Finance/Management Accounting or equivalent
• A Bachelor of Commerce Honours or CIMA - advantageous
• At least five years` finance experience in a medium to large business, including:
  • At least three years management accountant experience
  • Financial reconciliation and reporting
  • Financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
  • Analysis and interpretation of financial data
  • Sound understanding of international accounting standards
  • Sound understanding of legislation applicable to state owned entities
  • Supervision of junior team members
• Financial management
• Management accounting
• Financial analysis and reporting
• Budget/forecast preparation
• Internal controls
• Sound knowledge of auditing requirements
• Full Microsoft suite
• Solid understanding of accounting and CSIR financial systems
• Knowledge and application of contract and project administration principles and accounting requirements
• Excellent communication skills
• Effective leadership skills
• Well organised
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities

Closing date: 08 March 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Internal Auditor in the Internal Audit Service portfolio. The incumbent will provide an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity, designed to add value and improve the organization's operations. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Apply the ethical principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour in the context of an audit.
• Develop an understanding of the audit approach, methodology and tools through planning and conducting preliminary investigations and preparing an Audit Planning Memorandum (APM) prior to undertaking each audit project.
• Develop an understanding of the client business and the areas audited through: 
• Researching and familiarization of applicable policies and procedures of the business.
• Obtaining data from other functions within the organization or externally (where necessary) while performing the audits
• Interpret the policies, procedures and processes and assess compliance thereof within the organisation.
• Plan and perform an audit with professional scepticism recognising that circumstances may exist that cause potential risks.
• Execute already established audit programs within the required timeframe.
• Develop or update audit programs based on the risks identified and changes in operations.
• Document working papers in line with the IIA standards to assist in:
• Preparing an evidence-based draft report, including conclusions drawn from the work undertaken and recommendations for improved control.
• Providing a detailed audit trail of the work performed.
• Formulate audit findings, make recommendations by discussing the findings of the audit fieldwork with the client and seek agreement to actions/recommendations made
• Work independently, show initiative and sound professional judgement.
• Compile audit certificates and perform any other ad hoc projects that may be allocated by the Group Manager.  
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients and represent the IAS in various forums as directed by the Group Manager.
• Assist in the supervision and development of junior staff and new staff in the department.
• Conduct audits as per the approved annual plans and as allocated by the Group Manager.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Internal Auditing with at least four years’ audit experience.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification or studying towards a CIA qualification.
• Any other certifications such as CFE, CCSA, CRMA will be an added advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of risk management and internal controls.
• Familiarity with accounting and auditing concepts and theory.
• Technical competency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge about internal audit practices and trends.
• Ability to develop an understanding of legislation applicable to the CSIR and how these impacts on the audits.
• Understanding the PFMA and all applicable legislation.
• Use of automated audit tools such as IDEA or Audit Command Language (ACL) data analysis tool and Teammate will be an advantage.
• Ability to multitask and proper time management.
• Ability to handle audit projects independently.

Closing date: 11 March 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Business Development Practitioner in the Smart Places Cluster. The main purpose of this position is, in collaboration with the Business Development Manager and Centre Manager, to identify, coordinate and lead the securing of major strategic contract initiatives that will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the centre. It is also to manage relationships with key external stakeholders at the highest level, in government and the private sector, locally and internationally, in collaboration with the management structure.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key internal and external clients;
• Develop and maintain strong links with selected research areas in the CSIR;
• Maintain visibility in CSIR and external media;
• Manage client feedback through surveys and other means;
• Attend conferences and events that focus on the sector;
• Work closely with the Communications department in marketing the Centre;
• Conduct select market analysis of the sector in collaboration with researchers in the Line;
• Ensure strong network with other science councils, government and the private sector;
• Identify potential new areas of business and solicit such business (projects) from clients;
• Contribute substantially to the centre meeting its annual sales budget and
• Provide instrumental guidance in the areas where there is low sales;
• Ensure all proposals and other client agreements have been approved by CSIR legal section and follow the prescribed routing process, and
• Track project activities and ensure that the deliverables of these contracts and initiatives are met and clients satisfied.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business management or economics. At least five years’ experience in a business development role in a Research, Development and Innovation environment.
• Experience in working with private sector, international sector and different tiers of government.
• Evidence of substantive knowledge and experience in client/stakeholder relationship management.
• Evidence of substantive knowledge and experience in business development.
• Experience in financial and business mechanisms and processes.

Closing date: 15 March 2024