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

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Systems Engineer in the Radar and Electronic Warfare Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster.  The incumbent will be responsible to design enterprise and technical systems that will secure infrastructure and the enterprise against physical security threats with innovation as the threats evolve. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Compile and execute System Engineering Management Plans;
• Develop operational concepts for Electronic Warfare (EW) Test and Evaluation and Training Systems;
• Design system architectures for realising the operational concepts
• Interpret and realise system and sub-system interfaces;
• Partake in the implementation of a physical system;
• Validate the implemented physical system;
• Facilitate the elicitation of requirements and communication of results;
• Perform Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis;
• Author technical documents and papers;
• Mentor of junior engineers.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronics / computer engineering or related fields with at least seven years’ engineering experience, of which three years should be in system engineering in the defence environment;
• A Certification in System Engineering
• A Masters’ degree or a relevant system engineering qualification/accreditation will be an added advantage.
• Experience in Model-based systems engineering, using tools such as GENESYS or Capella will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of systems engineering is fundamental as supported by strong systems thinking skills.
• Facilitation and communication skills, both verbal and written across technical and non-technical audiences;
• Basic research abilities;
• Good MS Office skills;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

South African Citizenship is necessary, as a Security Clearance is required for this position.

Closing date: 27 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Software Developer in the People-Centred Mining Modernisation (PCMM) Impact Area within the Mining Cluster. The developer will form part of the software team tasked with contributing to software development projects. The incumbent will be responsible for developing new software solutions and supporting and maintaining the current software offerings of the PCMM group. S/He will further have to engage in projects encompassing frontend and backend development, data analytics, and machine learning. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaise with software project leads and assist the software developmental tasks;
• Software documentation and code comments;
• Assist in integrating developed code or software modules in respective projects;
• Manage assigned tasks and deadlines;
• Assist in developing proposals for internal/external clients;
• Liaise with clients (with project/technical lead) and other stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of the projects meet the needs of the stakeholders.
• Understand and respond to the needs and requirements of clients.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electronic engineering with at least three years’ experience in software development.
• Proven track record of working with React and/or Angular, HTML5, JavaScript, CSS and Node.js.
• Knowledge of professional software development and engineering principles.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team of software developers.
• Ability to function in an agile working environment.
• Ability to work on complex projects with uncertain or evolving requirements.
• Ability to find creative technical solutions to problems.
• The following will be advantageous:
• Experience with Docker.
• Developing Test code using various Testing frameworks.
• Relational databases, SQL and related technologies.
• NoSQL databases
• Web application architectures and protocols.
• Mobile deployment of software applications.
• Experience using virtual machines.
• Experience using Cloud services.
• Experience with hardware development – Circuit design, PCB design, hardware prototyping.

Closing date: 24 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Divisional Operations Manager within the Advanced Production and Security Division. The incumbent will be responsible for co-ordinating the Divisional Strategy development, including formulation of business objectives and business plans, that cascades from Division into Clusters, Impact Areas and Centres. The role will also be accountable for execution of Divisional Strategy and monitoring progress on implementation at Division, Cluster, Impact Area and Centre levels. This includes the Divisional planning function, which prioritises business imperatives, customer, employee, and organisational requirements. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Co-ordination of Divisional Strategy development (including formulation of business objectives and business plans) that cascades from Division into Clusters, Impact Areas and Centres;
• Ensures alignment and congruence of Divisional objectives with Cluster and Impact Area objectives;
•  Accountable for execution of Divisional Strategy and ongoing monitoring of strategy implementation as well as reporting thereof;
• Identify and manage risks associated with the implementation of the Divisional strategy, together with Divisional Team;
•  Responsible for the Division planning function, which prioritises achievement of critical business objectives, customer, employee, and organisational requirements over non-critical requirements;
• Accountable for securing the revenue targets and diversification of income streams of the cluster;
• Facilitate strategic investment of parliamentary grant to leverage further income from industry and other funding sources;
• Accountable for market/business intelligence to inform the cluster’s RDI agenda, facilitate development of technologies for current and future competitiveness and ensure collaboration with industry and relevant parties locally and internationally;
• Lead and maintain in-depth stakeholder engagement in industry and the public sector at large;
• Lead technical teams in client interactions and account for all key client relationships, represent client interests and be responsible for client satisfaction;
• Establish and maintain a systems view of the business identifying its various value chains, systems, processes, constraints, and the business support ecosystem within CSIR;
• Lead the development of a Divisional management information system capturing appropriate critical performance metrics (including sales, finances, EHS, etc.) for various levels of management including Impact Area Managers, Executive Managers and the Divisional Group Executive;
• Support the budgeting process in collaboration with Divisional Finance and Executive Clusters Managers;
•  Establish a system financial model for the Division to understand distribution of overhead costs and cost optimisation to optimise profit;
• Support the performance contracting of Clusters and Impact Area as well for own team;
• Consolidate and prepare information for quarterly and year-end reports and presentations of progress against targets and submit timeously to Divisional Group Executive;
• Ensure implementation of and adherence to SHEQ practices and policies throughout the Division;
• Effective management of operations staff as well as drive strategic HCD for capacity development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master’s degree in relevant science or engineering; a management domain qualification would be an advantage;

At least ten years’ experience in a complex engineering system based, technology-oriented, contract R&D, multi-project and matrix type environment, with a solid track record in the following:  

• Extensive technical experience within an engineering based environment;
• Extensive knowledge of the business, including working knowledge in the intensive engineering environment that is characterised in at least one of the clusters within this division (Mining, Manufacturing, Defence and Security);
• Technology development and exposure to Business Development and Commercialisation
• Strategic and operational planning and implementation 
• Advanced understanding of business planning and regulatory issues
• Thorough understating of the full life cycle of contract management and implementation of management practices
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics, for informed decision making

Closing date: 24 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Chief Financial Officer. The role is accountable the overall strategic leadership of the office of the Chief Financial Officer Portfolio. The purpose of this position is to develop and implement financial plans, policies and accounting practices, maintain the relationship with key stakeholders relevant for the CSIR financial sustainability, and develop procedures that ensure maintenance of the CSIR's fiscal records. Prepare statistical financial data as per acceptable accounting principles for financial reporting to EXCO, CSIR Board, National Treasury and other statutory bodies. Ensure that the CSIR complies with all financial reporting standards, National Treasury Instruction Notes, PFMA requirements and all relevant legislation. Provide ethical and exemplary leadership to all the functions in the finance portfolio. Ensure that EXCO and the CSIR Board are empowered with accurate financial management information and make recommendations on required strategic interventions. Manage the organisation's cash reserves and financial risks. Ensure that the CSIR procurement and ICT functions meet the needs of the CSIR. Ensure that the CSIR makes appropriate investments to have fit for purpose systems and tools. Ensure that the functions in the portfolio have the necessary capacity and transformation profile. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy

• Lead the Finance, Strategic Procurement and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) portfolios;
• Oversee long-term plans, forecasting and investment activities and assess financial requirements in line with organisational goals;
• Analyse and report on the financial status of the organisation by advising the CEO, EXCO and CSIR Board on organisation's financial performance;
• Ensure that procurement happens in an environment that is free from any potential fraud or corruption;
• Ensure that the CSIR invests in fit for purpose ICT systems, tools and infrastructure that bring tangible value to the organisation;
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of CSIR annual budgets and annual financial statements in line with prevailing legislation, frameworks and government policies;
• Develop and implement strategies and plans to ensure that the CSIR has a strong balance sheet;
• Develop and implement investment plans for the CSIR cash reserves.

Planning

• Oversee the development of and direct the implementation of strategies, procedures and strategic business plans of Finance, ICT and Strategic Procurement;
• Manage financial matters by overseeing the budget process, collation of inputs and comparing actual organisational performance with budget;
• Improve the organisation's financial management and performance by analysing financial strengths and weaknesses and proactively suggesting mitigating measures;
• Oversee and direct the preparation and issuance of the organisation's annual financial report;
• Ensure that the organisation makes the necessary investments in systems and tools that are fit for purpose, supports business performance and efficiency.

Operations

• Prepare and analyse financial management information accurately for use by the CSIR Board, EXCO and key stakeholders;
• Oversee the organisation's transaction processing systems by supervising due diligence, negotiations and acquisition of strategic assets and lease agreements;
• Contribute to the development of all agreements concerning financial obligations, e.g., tax and statutory obligations, contracts, insurance, IT assets and services, procurement activities, etc;
• Safeguard the assets and interests of the organisation and its stakeholders for good investment and strategic decision making;
• Ensure preparation of financial reports as and when required;
• Manage the maintenance of relevant ICT infrastructure and desktop user support;
• Ensure that organisational initiatives such as enterprise development and knowledge dissemination are supported.

Risk Management

• Develop and manage proper and reliable controls for fraud prevention and non-disclosure of financial information;
• Mitigate key elements of the organisation's risk profile and report risk issues to the CEO, EXCO and Audit Committee of the CSIR Board;
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements including the implementation of the principles of transparency and good Corporate Governance;
• Ensure research is conducted and recommendations are made on new ICT technologies;
• Ensure market intelligence capabilities are built to support strategy development;
• Ensure maintenance of financial records and that record-keeping meets the requirements of auditors and key stakeholders.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain good relations with key stakeholders particularly the National Treasury, Auditor General and DSI and other relevant internal and external stakeholders;
• Analyse and review shareholder relations policies, procedures, including annual reports;
• Maintain a good working relationship with auditors and ensure audits are completed efficiently and audit findings are actioned to improve the control environment.

People Management

• Provide ethical and consistent leadership to a team of professionals.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Chartered Accountant (CA) with at least ten years' experience in a senior management position with complete responsibility for the financial function;
• A soundtrack record in Financial Management at a senior management level;
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);
• Knowledge of PPPFA requirements, PFMA and Treasury Regulations;
• Demonstrated ability to implement internal systems and controls to ensure sound financial management;
• Good communication skills;
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and make sound observations and recommendations;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement finance strategies;
• Good problem-solving, administrative and organisational skills;
• Preparation of consolidated budgets and audited annual financial statements;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the PFMA mandated reporting requirements;
• Demonstrated leadership qualities;
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills, both internally and external to the CSIR.

Closing date: 31 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for an Executive Manager: Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will provide strategic direction, drive the leadership, strategy development and implementation, financial sustainability, capability development, performance, operations and governance within the Chemicals Cluster in line with the trends and opportunities and needs of the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and related industries, and in alignment with the CSIR strategy, vision and mission. The incumbent will also be responsible for supervision of health innovations.  He/she will lead the research and development, localisation, and commercialisation of technologies and knowledge solutions from a sound scientific and technological base. The incumbent will utilise market insights to inform our scientific and technological development and take our products and innovations to the market. The incumbent will also be accountable for in-depth stakeholder engagement in the private and public sectors in the chemicals and related industries. The incumbent will act as a role model, embracing and demonstrating the professional and ethical values and purpose of the CSIR. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and provide strategic direction to the Chemicals Cluster;
• Drive alignment of the Chemicals Cluster strategy with the trends, needs and opportunities of the chemicals and related industries;
• Account for the financially sustainability, profit and loss of the cluster;
• Ensure that cluster operations are managed effectively, and that there is timely and accurate reporting;
• Invest allocated parliamentary grant guided by divisional priorities and CSIR strategy to effectively leverage income from other sources and to build strategic capabilities for current and future competitiveness of the chemicals and related industries;
• Maintain a balanced portfolio of research, development and commercialisation per divisional priorities and organisation vision;
• Maintain strategic oversight and guidance of research, development and overall operations of the Chemicals Cluster;
• Drive collaboration with parties in the national system of innovation, and leading relevant parties globally;
• Account for cluster quality, health, safety and impact;
• Lead in-depth stakeholder engagement in industry and public sector;
• Ensure cluster compliance with all CSIR policies and relevant legislation;
• Live CSIR values; foster a culture of collaboration within and between divisions.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Doctoral degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or related disciplines, with at least five years senior management experience in a Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) and commercialisation in industry or leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO).
• A business qualification will be an added advantage. 
• Proven track record of managing minimum annual budget of R100 million linked to RDI initiatives in industry or leading RTO.
• Proven track record of successful IP commercialisation.
• Evidence of high-level stakeholder management, chemical and allied industry related networks.
• Excellent communicator with strong, demonstrable business acumen; and
• Demonstrated experience of strong people management and organisational development skills.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 21 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Systems Librarian in the Knowledge Management and Information Services (KMIS). The successful incumbent will be required to maintain, support and enhance a wide range of library technology infrastructure to ensure optimal service delivery to the organisation and to ensure access and discovery of scientific and academic information. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain and support the CSIRIS range of library technologies and systems to ensure client access to relevant online information resources and digital collections.
• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of the required and existing systems and processes to ensure efficient service delivery and data integrity.
• Liaise with the ICT department and other external online service providers as required.
• Investigate the portfolio needs for automation, configuration of systems and processes and assist with the evaluation and implementation of identified systems.
• Monitor for new and emerging library technologies, trends and knowledge systems such as next generation library catalogues, aggregated discovery tools, research and collaboration systems, instructional technology, digital archives, and simulation and presentation tools for evaluation and potential implementation purposes.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, relationship building, networking, both internal and external to the CSIR.
• Actively participate in a professional network (external to the CSIR) within the specialization area community.
• Provide training and support to KMIS and the CSIR in the use of library systems, workflows and technologies.
• Work closely together with the Data Librarian and the Manager: Archival and Records Services to develop and maintain curation and preservation practices required to ensure the security of and accessibility to publications and datasets generated by the CSIR staff during the execution of the CSIR’s core business.
• Collect, collate and report management information and statistics. This include statistics on indexing, cataloguing and eResource usage (COUNTER 5).
• Preparation of statistical reports and analytics reflecting the status of the CSIR’s external publications across a variety of parameters, e.g. individual author, journal impact factors, job grades, gender and population groups.
• Maintain and update the structure and content of the KMIS web interface.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science or a related qualification (e.g. Information Management / Information Systems) with atleast five years’ experience in the information services sector of which three years should include library systems administration and management.
• Honours degree in Library and Information Science is an added advantage.
• Proven experience with web design, maintenance and content population.
• Knowledge of systems and technologies.
• Experience in end-user training.
• This position combines the principles of librarianship with the abilities of computing technology, therefore an in-depth understanding of library applications and knowledge systems such as integrated library management systems, aggregated discovery tools, research and collaboration systems, digital archives and database software is required.
• Proven expertise in the use of online information resources and retrieval systems and the implementation of advanced search methodologies.
• A basic understanding of Library Carpentry methodologies.
• High levels of IT literacy including Microsoft Office Programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge and / or understanding of HTML and web standards.
• Database design and a familiarity with metadata standards such as Dublin Core.
• Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 21 August 2023

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Information specialist in the Knowledge Management and Information Services (KMIS). The successful incumbent will be required to provide clients with the tools, knowledge and the ability needed to be confident users of trusted information resources. The role is accountable to deliver professional information services, relevant trusted information and data on science and industry to research staff across the Divisions and Clusters of the CSIR. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaise with clients regarding their detailed scientific, business and management information requirements and translating this into suitable search strategies that allow for accurate retrieval of relevant information on the subjects. Search results are evaluated before compilation into literature review reports.
• Provide selective alerting and monitoring services, environmental scanning services on science and industry trends to enable CSIR staff to stay abreast of the latest innovations & technologies in their specialised subject areas.
• Empower line staff through training in the use of electronic information resources as well as the critical evaluation and selection of authoritative information resources.
• Conduct bibliometric research to measure researcher performance and contribute to the career-ladder evaluation process.
• To stay abreast with new developments in scholarly communication and in the field of Library and Information services.
• To Utilise 4IR technologies to optimize services and delivery, enhancing agility and robustness in accessing and discovering academic and scientific literature
• Build and maintain relationship with the designated Divisions and Clusters to ensure continued awareness of SET staff needs as well as to improve service delivery.
• Conduct information and knowledge assessments (information audits) to establish new client information needs and gaps and to identify and evaluate new information resources relevant to RD&I areas that can enhance information support.
• Contribute towards successful implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) and Competitive / Business intelligence practices and strategies for the Divisions and Clusters.
• Support and promote the CSIR policy regarding the dissemination of research outcomes, which includes advising researchers on Open Access publishing initiatives, the selection of suitable accredited publications in which to publish and support research staff in managing research profiles for more visibility in a changing research landscape.
• Encourage, implement the use of innovative scholarly communication practices and tools, and contribute to research data management practices.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).   

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science with at least five years’ experience of which three years should be in a scientific, technical or academic library.
• Proven expertise in the use of online information resources and retrieval systems and the implementation of advanced search methodologies
• Experience in client relationship management
• End user training experience Knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject area as demonstrated in the ability to use correctly terminology; to discuss, understand and evaluate the literature, trends, and new developments of the subject area.
• Advanced Internet and database searching skills as well as expert knowledge of the content of subject specific information resources, including the ability to critically evaluate and filter them.
• Good working understanding of ICT and emerging technologies.
• Patent prior art searching skills, patent landscaping.
• Reference interview skills.
• Understanding of the Open Access publishing models and research output dissemination.
• Ability to index, abstract and write concise summaries of various scientific documents in specific disciplines.
• Presentation skills and an understanding of the learning styles of adult learners
• Proficiency in English.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 21 August 2023