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

Key responsibilities:

• Guide the establishing and maintaining of quality standards for all aspects of operations in collaboration with management team.
• Oversee the development of standard operating procedures, guidelines, and checklists in all departments to ensure consistency in service delivery and operational processes.
• Regularly review and update quality control measures to reflect changing guest expectations and industry trends.
• Coordinate and manage regular internal and external quality audits and inspections, analyse findings and collaborate with department managers to address deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Manage the operating standards, processes and procedures for the gathering and use of customer feedback for the continuous improvement of the quality of the total product offered by the CSIR ICC, Entabeni, Newtons and Knowledge Commons and identifying trends and areas of concern in guest feedback and work with relevant teams to implement improvements.
• Deal with guest complaints and emergencies which need to be escalated above department manager level.
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation and communication of Protocol standards across all departments to ensure that the group complies with State and International Protocol standards at all times,
• Contribute to the credibility of the CSIR International Convention Centres brand by ensuring entrance into, relevant national and international grading schemes, award schemes and quality and other standards systems.
• Contribute to the annual strategic planning process to ensure that the CSIR ICC, Entabeni, Newtons and Knowledge Commons remain competitive and able to grow.
• Prepare and present monthly feedback, quality performance, audit results and improvement initiative reports.
• Serve as the Privacy Champion for the group. 
• SHEQ Perform duties and take responsibility for SHEQ matters within department and embed a culture of SHEQ awareness and compliance amongst staff

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's / B-Tech Degree, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate in business or hospitality fields or equivalent with at least three years experience in conference and/or hospitality industry, or event management, or experience with Customer Relations/Quality.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the international conference industry
• Protocol / international relations knowledge

Closing date: 29 April 2026

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Research areas: 

Electronic Warfare (EW) including

• Artificial Intelligence in EW
• Electronic Support
• Electronic Attack
• EW Modelling and Simulation
• EW Signal Processing
• And other EW 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 defending 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:

• A Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in electronic/computer engineering or a related/relevant field;
• Register for a Master's qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor).
• Knowledge of the following will be an advantage: MATLAB, Julia, Python and/or C++.
• Knowledge of the following will be an advantage: Antennas, Radio Frequency (RF) systems, Electromagnetic Theory and Propagation.
• Knowledge of electronic hardware and software implementation.
• Knowledge and exposure in software development for experimentation and prototyping.
• 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.

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Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership to translate the User Needs and Innovation ideas into feasible and cost-effective Electro-Optics systems;
• Facilitate the elicitation of requirements and conduct in depth requirement analysis;
• Generate the System Requirement Specifications with attainable and measurable functional and performance requirements;
• Conduct EO system trade-off analysis to derive and generate design alternatives. 
• Design the system architectures for Electro-Optics payload and sensors for different applications;
• Generate the Verification and Validation plans for the new systems;
• Lead technical members in different projects and ensure there is effective technical knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer in these diverse team;
• Implement and ensure that the new system designs incorporate the Manufacturability, Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (MRAM);
• Lead the development of Payload System Performance Modelling tools to support the design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR);
• Develop systems technical work breakdown structures;
• Mentor and coach senior, junior, candidate researchers/engineers and pipeline within the team.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechatronics/electronics/computer/mechanical or optical engineering with at least ten years' engineering experience, of which five years should be in systems engineering;
• A Master;s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer, mechanical engineering is System Engineering/Project Management qualifications with experience in Defence and Space systems engineering life cycle process, using SE tools will be advantageous;
• Knowledge of systems engineering is fundamental to this position supported by strong systems thinking skills;
• Ability to facilitate and communicate both verbal and written across technical and non-technical audiences;
• Ability to lead and manage self, others and various project scopes;
• Must have strong technology development and product development for commercialisation;
• Must have good MS Office, Zimax Matlab skills;
• Must be a South African citizen eligible for a confidential security clearance.

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Key Requirements:

• MSc in Chemistry or MSc in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum academic average of 65% in the current or previous academic year.
• Applied or accepted or intending to apply for the PhD degree in Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry at a recognized institution of higher learning in South Africa for the 2026 academic year.
• Having strong chemistry knowledge and modelling skills.
• Experience in batch and column experimental configurations.
• Basic understanding of data analytics and visualisation techniques.

Required Skills:

• Ability to conduct background research investigations on nanotechnology health, safety, and environmental aspects;
• Creditable understanding of column and batch experimental protocols using both the one-factor-at-at-time (OFAAT) and multicomponent analysis;
• Demonstrated ability to capture, analyse and interpret research findings and report technical outputs in a scientifically sound, logical and structured manner;
• Strong analytical thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team;
• Ability to write fundable proposals, and technical and scientific reports;
• Good project management skills;
• Good communication and presentation skills;
• Strong commitment to meeting deadlines timeously and maintaining a research-driven mindset, along with research integrity.

Closing date: 27 April 2026

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Key responsibilities:

• Prepare written responses to incoming correspondence for the executive¿s approval and signature;
• Handle all incoming calls effectively and efficiently;
• Eloquently express the executive¿s requirements/instructions to other staff members;
• Manage internal and external events, local and overseas travel arrangements under broad direction of the executive;
• Coordinate and manage the executive¿s diary effectively ensuring that her time is used effectively and she is briefed appropriately regarding the agenda for meetings. This includes sourcing background information from previous meetings;
• Follow up on actions emanating from meetings on behalf of the executive;
• Structure agendas and take minutes at meetings with minimum guidance from the executive;
• Type, format/edit documents and prepare presentations;
• Prioritize outputs according to the executive¿s needs;
• Provide administrative support to Operations and Project Management team on an ad hoc basis; 
• Arrange Management team meetings and internal and/ or external stakeholder meetings as directed by the Executive Manager;
• Prepare and reconcile subsistence and travel claims.
• Purchase necessities for the office.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A diploma /advanced certificate in secretarial or administration and or relevant diploma with at least five years working experience as a Personal Assistant to a Senior Manager or Executive;
• Proficient in MS Office Suite;
• Solid procurement and travel management;
• Office administration and coordination, including customer care and excellent client liaison;

Closing date: 28 April 2026

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent numerical skills;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

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Key responsibilities:

• Develop cutting-edge blockchain solutions and remain well-versed in new technologies in the evolving blockchain space;
• Lead blockchain project(s) of moderate to high complexity, ensuring that all features are delivered successfully within the agreed timelines.
• Create and maintain technical documentation (incl. API docs, team engineering wikis);
• Supervise/mentor junior staff in the area(s) of expertise;
• Contribute to the improvement of RD&I processes within the impact area or research group;
• Generate and contribute towards science, engineering and technology (SET) activity outputs e.g. reports, guidelines, system requirements, peer-reviewed publications, and technology and software packages;
• Understand and interpret client requirements by contributing to user requirement analysis and/or well-articulated proposals;
• Remain current in field of expertise with respect to new approaches in tools, methods or technologies;
• Participate in client engagement meetings to conduct technical demonstration, presentations and elicit detailed requirements;
• Contribute to strategic planning sessions within the impact area or research group;
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer/electronic engineering, information technology or related field with at least five years' software development experience in blockchain/distributed ledger technologies;
• An Honours or a Master's degree will be advantageous;

Exposure in the following:

• Software development in the field of Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology or a related area;
• Front-end Frameworks: Angular, Vue, React, Next.js, Vite;
• Back-end Frameworks:  Python Flask, CherryPI or Pyramid, Node.js, ExpressJS, SpringBoot;
• Version Control: Git;
• Databases: SQL (Postgres, MySQL), NoSQL (MongoDB, CouchDB, ClickHouse);
• Infrastructure and DevOps: Container Technologies (Docker or Podman), Container Orchestration (Docker Compose or Kubernetes), Continuous Integration (Jenkins, TravisCI, GitlabCI, CircleCI), Monitoring Tools (Grafana, Prometheus);
• Cloud-based platforms: AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure, Heroku Cloud;
• Distributed System Architecture: Client/Server, P2P, Microservices, SOA, Event-driven (pub/sub messaging); 
• System Design: Load Balancing, Caching, Sharding and Replication, Rate Limiting, Message Queues, Horizontal and Vertical Scaling, Fault Tolerance, API Design;
• Project management;
• Ability to demonstrate Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Programming languages: C++, Java, Rust, Python, Solidity, JavaScript, Go.
• Must show initiative in building applications using blockchain technology;

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Key responsibilities:

Business Development Leadership

• Grow business in designated areas (Defence and Security cluster with support work performed when and as required in the Manufacturing and Mining clusters) through the business development lifecycle by performing, and not limited to, the following activities:
• Analysis and application of industry value chains, including product development value chains and respective applications of digital twinning solutions;
• Market intelligence and analysis;
• Business case origination;
• Investment analysis;
• Requirements analysis;
• Classification of leads and prospects;
• Assessment and maturity auditing of Divisional capabilities applicable to requirements from leads and prospects in the designated areas;
• Assessment, gap analysis and technology evaluation of cluster technologies in line with market requirements;
• Identify clients and opportunities for the existing technology portfolio within designated areas;
• Business case evaluation for licensing of technologies;
• High-level packaging and de-risking of market opportunities;

Development of principle agreements and incorporation and negotiation of the following terms and conditions:

• Liabilities, securities and insurance;
• Third party agreements;
• IP and exploitation;
• Governance and regulatory approvals;
• Breach and termination stipulations;
• Payment and delivery terms.
• Developing and costing of proposals in conjunction with the relevant CSIR Impact Area teams, external partners, and clients/funders;
• Internal and external stakeholder analysis;

Securing contracts in the following domain initiatives:

• RD&I Partnerships
• Technology Platforms
• Joint Development Partnerships
• External grants
• Innovation investments through a variety of innovation funders (Technology Innovation Agency, Industrial Development Council, Development Bank of SA, etc )
• Commercialisation investments with application in direct & indirect commercialisation opportunities
• Grow diversification income for the designated areas (private, public and international) through specific revenue streams (eg. contract R&D, royalty income);
• Pipeline development and management for the designated areas (leads to prospects to secured sales) with set targets;
• Leading of technology transfer initiatives for the designated areas;

Application of systems approach on converting requirements to solutions through:

• Research & requirement definitions;
• Solution definitions & conceptualisation;
• Solutions development;
• Test evaluations & qualifications; and
• Solution integration and acceptance.
• Internal and external stakeholder management.

Additional Business Development Office Projects

• Monthly and quarterly reporting of all activities of the office within the designated areas.
• Updating the existing suite of BD&C processes, frameworks and guidelines and establishment of new process that may be required.
• Provision of reporting information at CSIR level.
• BD&C strategy and plans.
• Strategic research and development programs and related plans.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelors degree in engineering with at least ten years experience in research and technology development within the Defence and/or Security sector.
• Masters degree in the engineering domain, MBA or post-graduate business development qualification will be an added advantage;
• Demonstrated success in business development
• Evidence of solid domain expertise in:
• Business development lifecycle activities;
• System engineering and system integration;
• International contract negotiations, and
• Working interfaces of a research technology organisation.
• Evidence of high-level stakeholder management, and industry domain related networks.
• Experience in the following areas:
• Contract management
• Systems engineering
• Project management
• Process management
• Capability development
• Marketing of capabilities 
• Market analysis
• Track  record in the formulation and securing of contract R&D contracts.

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Key responsibilities:

Interpretation of requirements and specifications

• Interpret user requirements.
• Generate detailed item development specification.
• Generate acceptance test plans and reports.

Digital and Analogue design

• Use VHDL and/or Verilog to develop code for programmable logic devices (FPGAs);
• Implement Firmware designs on both pure digital and mixed digital, analogue and RF devices.
• Design complex high-speed-digital and high-bandwidth-analogue functions;
• Perform simulations to verify design functions both for electrical and firmware designs;

Debugging and Verification

• Debug designs;
• Perform formal functional verification and acceptance testing;
• Perform system and sub-system integration;
• Complete acceptance test reports

Generation of data pack and design documentation

• Generate manufacturing data packs;
• Generate design documentation
• Capture data into data management system.

Mentoring and Coaching of junior staff

• Mentor junior staff in VHDL and Firmware designs;
• Mentor junior staff in digital and analogue design, simulation and verification,

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic engineering with at least two years' of experience in firmware development;

Experience in the following is required:

• VHDL firmware development of complex systems;
• Debugging of firmware and hardware;
• Capability of document preparation;

Experience in the following will be advantageous:

• Verilog;
• High-speed digital and mixed signal design.
• Proven capability of delegating tasks to junior colleagues;
• Capability of helping in the development and career growth of junior colleagues.