Current Opportunities at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Technologist in the Nano-Micro Manufacturing Facility (NMMF) within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the facility has functioning systems to develop own micro-fluidic devices and assist researchers and project managers to achieve their technical deliverables on projects. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, guide, and manage research and development (R&D)   projects in diagnostic device fabrication using available instruments and facilities;
• Collaborate with industry clients and NMMF users;
• Assist researchers and projects with diagnostic and micro-fluidic device fabrication;
• Conduct own experimental and development work in the laboratory;
• Operate the facility equipment such as Bio-dot, Dimatix and PDMS system;
• Generate internal and external reports and reviews;
• Comply with general housekeeping of labs;
• Adhere to safe operation of the work environment.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/chemical engineering, electronics, industrial design, biotechnology, or related fields with at least two years’ experience in mechanical design;
• An Honours degree will be advantageous;
• Must have experience in prototype device design, fabrication and project management; 
• Must have experience in practical design and manufacturing of small devices through casting, forming, 3D printing and laser cutting;
• Involvement in research projects in prototype device development;
• Grasp of all aspects involved in microfluidics and micro-manufacturing;
• Good communication and presentation skills;
• Problem-solving ability and solution-seeking orientated;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer literacy and ability to offer quality inputs to reports and proposals;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 07 March 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Technologist in the Nano-Micro Manufacturing Facility (NMMF) within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the facility has functioning systems to develop own micro-fluidic devices and assist researchers and project managers to achieve their technical deliverables on projects. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop practical approaches to device manufacture including designs, prototype and testing;
• Lead research projects in diagnostic device fabrication;
• Interact with industry clients and NMMF users;
• Provide support to researchers and projects with diagnostic and micro-fluidic device fabrication;
• Innovate and assist with lab-on-Chip (LOC) design manufacture and prototype assembly, which includes LOC to injection mould transfer, electro-chemical device development, assembly and lateral flow test manufacture;
• Conduct own experimental and development work in the laboratory;
• Generate concepts through internet searches, idea generation and conceptualisation;
• Oversee the use of the facility equipment such as 3D printing, laser cutting, Bio-dot, Dimatix and PDMS system;
• Keep equipment in working order, arrange maintenance and repairs as and when required;
• Ensure availability of laboratory consumables;
• Compile reports and other project related documents and general housekeeping of labs;
• Adhere to safe operation of the work environment.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours degree in mechanical/chemical engineering, electronics, industrial design, biotechnology or related fields with at least five years’ experience in mechanical design and device development;
• A Master’s degree will be advantageous;
• Must have experience in practical design and manufacturing of small devices through casting, forming, 3D printing, laser cutting
• Electronic, optic and software abilities will be advantageous 
• Must have experience in prototype device design, fabrication and project management;
• Must have the ability to engage bioengineers and chemical engineers in device development and realisation;
• Must be proficient in micro-fluidics and practical diagnostic or sensing device design and fabrication
• Grasp of all aspects involved in microfluidics and micro-manufacturing;
• Good communication and presentation skills;
• Problem-solving and solution-seeking orientation;
• Goal-oriented approach;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer literacy and ability to write quality reports and proposals.

Closing date: 10 March 2023

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About the job: 

The CSIR has a vacancy for an Operations Manager in the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to create an effective and efficient Cluster level operations to enable the delivery and achievement of short-term operational goals and targets. And also ensure efficient day to day operations. The position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive Cluster operations to ensure the integration of Cluster level business operations considerations for effective and efficient delivery;
• Develop and implement systems and processes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the business operations;
• Develop, improve and maintain business systems including quality;
• Track and report on Cluster performance progress on all Key Performance Indicators to the Executive Cluster manager and in relevant forums;
• Monitor delivery of all relevant operational KPIs including profit and loss, quality, health safety etc.
• Track delivery and ensure achievements of short-term operational goals against target;
• Oversee the quality assurance of the business operations related solutions, plans, reports etc.;
• Coordinate resources to perform overall efficient business operations which may include Facilities, HR, Procurement, Registry etc.
• Maintain an in-depth and working knowledge of business operations, standards, systems, tools and trends required for operations and performance enhancements;
• Support the budgeting process in collaboration with finance, line management and business development and commercialization; and
• Oversee all SHEQ activities within the Cluster.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A minimum of an Honours degree in relevant science, engineering and a management qualification with at least five years’ experience in a complex multi-projects and matrix type environment;
• Solid understanding of business planning and regulatory issues;
• Project and programme management skills;
• Business and finance management acumen;
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Stakeholder relationship management skills; and
• Advanced MS office suite.                       

Closing date: 28 February 2023