Jobs at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has an Internship opportunity in the Biomanufacturing Technology Demonstration Research Group. The purpose of this Internship is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in research and development of recombinant proteins of industrial relevance under the guidance of researchers and engineers within the Biomanufacturing Impact Area teams. The position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

• Assist in the expression optimisation studies of recombinant proteins using suitable host systems (e.g., E. coli and plant-based platforms);
• Support downstream protein extraction and purification to improve protein yields and purity;
• Perform protein analysis using analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting;
• Prepare buffers, culture media, and other reagents required for experiments;
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records;
• Analyse and interpret experimental results;
• Compile technical reports and other project-related documents;
• Contribute to the planning and execution of experiments;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures;
• Contribute and assist with laboratory inventory management;
• Take responsibility and custodianship of the laboratory;

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

• A Master’s in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field;
• Computer literacy in MS Office;           
• Knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioanalytical techniques;
• Must have a ‘hands-on’ approach with respect to learning new techniques, equipment operation, and working in the laboratory;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• The following skills are required;
• Self-motivated and a team player;
• Analytical, methodical, innovative, and results-driven;
• Willingness to learn and work under pressure;
• Pro-active and focused;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to prioritize and have a good sense of urgency and accuracy.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Researcher/Engineer in the Energy Centre within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the translation of CSIR energy-related research into direct and tangible recommendations for South African policymakers at Government, Provincial and Municipal levels on how to achieve an optimal energy supply mix and configuration to ensure stable and sustainable supply and the growth of South African industry. This position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage projects, research and conduct investigations on energy modelling and related topics.
• Provide leadership in formulating research questions and developing study assumptions.
• Provide research direction to the Energy Centre on energy planning and energy modelling
• Participate in local panels or working groups on power systems topics.
• Work with a team of researchers/engineers in your own field and across other disciplines
• Generate technical reports, articles, conference papers and presentations aimed at energy modelling locally and internationally.
• Provide training on energy planning related topics to CSIR employees and externally.
• Formulate research proposals to attract contract research income from public and private clients
• Develop relationships with potential, collaborators and stakeholders for R&D in power systems topics
• Compile technical reports for clients in the energy sector;
• Manage contract research and development and ensure adherence to schedule and budget.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Masters degree in electrical/mechanical/industrial engineering, mathematics, science or equivalent with at least six years working experience in the energy sector, of which three years should be in the energy modelling
• Proficiency in suitable energy modelling software tools applied in the energy sector.  These could include inter alia energy systems modelling using PLEXOS, OSEMOSYS, TIMES or others;
• Experience in the energy sector modelling;
• Strong network in the public and private sector as links to sustainable energy supply, with a track record of working with clients and obtaining contract R&D in the field.
• Familiarity with modelling approaches for energy planning and modelling and project management experience.
• Experience in scenario definitions/planning.
• Familiarity with the South African and Southern African power system would be advantageous
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Systems Engineer in the Command, Control and Integrated Systems 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. The position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform risk assessments (threats, hazards and vulnerabilities);
• Facilitate the elicitation of requirements and communication of results;
• Develop operational concepts that address the security risks;
• Provide policy inputs;
• Design system architectures for realising the operational concepts;
• Oversee the implementation of a system;
• Validate the implemented system;
• Mentor internal teams/individuals on security design; and
• Author technical security documents and papers.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in industrial, electronics, computer, mechanical engineering with at least fifteen years’ engineering experience, of which ten years should be in systems engineering;
• A Master’s degree in industrial, electronics, computer, mechanical engineering is advantageous;
• Security qualifications/accreditations is advantageous;
• Experience in Model-based systems engineering, using tools such as CORE or Genesys, and security technologies will be advantageous;
• Risk assessment experience is required;
• Knowledge of systems engineering is fundamental to this position supported by strong systems thinking skills;
• Facilitation and communication, both verbal and written across technical and non-technical audiences;
• Ability to manage self, others, time and finances;
• Basic research abilities.
• Good MS Office skills.

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Junior Electronic Engineer in the Technology for Special Operations Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The successful incumbent will be responsible for electronic engineering tasks ranging from electronic design, testing and troubleshooting, assembly, and integration, to software and embedded firmware development.
• The position is based in Stellenbosch and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform research and development work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Design electronic subsystems;
• Analog and digital circuit design;
• Design analog, digital circuit and printed circuit board (PCB);
• Develop software in C/C++, including GUI and test applications on a PC as well as embedded firmware;
• Perform sub-system and system integration;
• Test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and systems;
• Compile test and research reports;
• Conduct field testing and evaluation of equipment in a maritime environment;
• Generate design data packs and product documentation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering in electronic engineering with at least one-year electronic engineering experience;
• Experience in the following fields will be advantageous:
• Analog and digital circuit design;
• Proficiency in the C programming language, as well as a higher-level object-oriented language;
• Embedded firmware development.
• Proficiency with standard electronic laboratory equipment, e.g. signal generator, oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering equipment.

Must be:

• A South African citizen only – NO dual citizenship
• Able to obtain a valid South African security clearance
• Fit to travel to client sites and execute physical fieldwork on structures (e.g. scaffolding), maritime platforms (e.g. high-speed boats) and confined spaces (e.g. ship compartments).

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About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for an Industrial Engineer in the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing impact area, within the Manufacturing cluster. The candidates will be responsible to optimise foundry and powder metallurgy production processes, improve efficiency, and ensure quality in the manufacturing of parts, components, and systems, while driving cost-effective solutions and continuous improvement initiatives. Implementation of 4IR technologies in operations. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Analyse and optimise casting, sintering, compaction, and finishing processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Conduct time studies and process simulations to develop standard work procedures
• and improve machine utilisation.
• Improve furnace efficiency, powder blending uniformity, and material handling for consistent product quality
• Optimise powder mixing, pressing, sintering, and secondary operations to enhance density and mechanical properties
• Reduce scrap rates and improve yield in compaction and sintering by controlling process variables
• Integrate robotics, automation, and IoT sensors for real-time process monitoring in foundry and powder metallurgy operations.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to reduce defects such as porosity, inclusions, and cracks
• Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent quality in metal powders and cast parts
• Reduce material waste by improving powder recovery, recycling processes, and metal utilisation
• Adhere to compliance with OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific safety regulations for foundry and powder metallurgy operations
• Enhance workplace safety by improving ventilation, dust control, and ergonomics in metalworking environments

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field;
• A master’s degree in industrial engineering will be advantageous;
• Five years’ experience in applied research environment or in a related industry;
• Solid experience in product development
• 3+ years of experience in foundry / powder metallurgy / metals processing related industries preferred;
• Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and SPC Methodologies;
• Proficiency in CAD, simulation tools, ERP/MRP systems, and data analytics;
• Sound problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills