Jobs at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Researcher: Computer Vision in the Optronic Sensor Systems Impact Area, within the Defence and Security cluster. The incumbent will assist to drive strategic direction for innovation in digital optronics research and applications, which focuses on computer vision applications integrating over physics and system performance modelling and simulation, algorithm development, sensor/systems integration, deployment, test and evaluation (T&E). . This is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

Technical Expertise

• Create, refine and implement new computer vision systems in a variety of applications including security, mining, manufacturing, and remote sensing; 
• Design and implement superior solutions and differentiated products/systems;
• Lead the analysis and implementation from physics and end-user requirements to integrate solutions to create video surveillance/monitoring/intelligence user systems for deployment and evaluation;
• Develop end-user computer vision applications while integrating active and passive sensors, visual and non-visual spectrum, LIDAR sensors, optical and non-optical elements;
• Drive the implementation of video analytics based on human behaviour analysis; 
• Conduct research on technologies to improve team and systems innovation, processes, and productivity.

Knowledge Generation and Dissemination

• Strategically develop a computer vision research and applications program to support doctoral and masters' students, journal publications, and international visibility;
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters, or editor of book/conference proceedings; 
• Lead and contribute to the development of new and adapted technologies for licencing, patenting and transfer to new and existing industries;
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures.

Human Capital Development

• Strategically develop human capital resources to ensure succession and skills transfer within the modelling, simulation, and radiometric domain;
• Strategically create human capital development pipelines through industry and university collaboration;
• Lead in developing researchers and co-supervision of students;
• Contribute in the development, mentoring, and coaching of the team
• Contribute in attracting, developing, and retaining talent.

Research Leadership

• Lead and support engagements across public, private and international stakeholders;
• Formulate national and international Research and Development (R&D) strategies in collaboration with various partners;
• Serve on national and international research working groups / advisory boards / editorial boards;
• Provide thought leadership, drive business growth within the market, and develop and maintain client relationships;
• Create international awareness and partnerships for CSIR digital optronics research capabilities. 

Attracting Funding

• Develop strategic R&D relationships at national and international scale;
• Create commercialization opportunities for through industry engagement locally and internationally;
• Source and manage large interdisciplinary projects / programmes;
• Attract sufficient funds for large teams of researchers and support staff;
• Write proposals and project definitions and research business plans.

Project Resource Management

• Generate and update work breakdown structures (WBS) and statement of works (SOW);
• Plan projects with team members (quality and completeness of project management plan including project scope, schedule, cost budget, risk analysis);
• Lead and deliver the technical deliverables that are necessary for the design, optimization, and/or commercialization of products/outputs;
• Lead and execute project technical deliverables and milestones to ensure successful delivery of new processes and/or products;
• Perform quality assurance, code review, code refactoring, and maintenance on radiometric modelling and simulation software;
• Compile research findings, reports, and other documentation(s), for both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

A Master's degree in computer science, electronic/mechanical/mechatronic/computer engineering, applied mathematics, physics or related fields with at least eight years' experience in the following:     

• Research and development environment, defining product application strategy, establishing client relationships, soliciting user requirements and delivering innovative solutions; 
• Computer vision, sensors, electro-optics and infrared sensors systems integration and product development environment, with strong user system application development.
• Must have experience in the following:
• Computer Vision technology and product development;
• Electro-optic system modelling and simulation. 
• Must have track record in the following:
• Development of video surveillance/monitoring/intelligence user application systems, including video analytics development; 
• Developing research, development and innovation capabilities;
• Product/solutions development;
• Leadership, mentorship and guidance of team members;
• Publications in high-impact journals.
• Must be able to:
• Integrate over many fields including radiometry, optronic systems applications, sensors, cameras, and computer vision;
• Operate at user application level for deep understanding of user needs.

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Doctoral Studentship: Space Engineering in the Optronic Sensor System (OSS), within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for undertaking original research and development in Space Engineering with the Optronics Sensor System. This position is based in Pretoria.

Research areas: 

• Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD)
• Satellite Bus Design and Development
• Space Satellite System Engineering Process
• Satellite Orbital Mechanics Design
• Space Modelling and Simulation
• Space Ground Station Technologies
• Emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies for Space Applications
• Thermal management of satellite buses and payloads 
• Radiation shielding of satellite bus materials

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR OSS 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 Doctoral research topic;
• Compile the Doctoral thesis and defending the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the doctoral 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 Master's degree in electronic/mechanical/mechatronics engineering or related fields;
• Register for a Doctoral qualification within the South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor);
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);

The following knowledge, and experience will be advantageous:

• Strong background in Electronics and Mechanical Systems, System Engineering, Cybersecurity in Space Domain, Data Communication systems;
• Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence application in space technologies;
• Working knowledge of related programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, (and others applicable);
• Knowledge modelling and simulation software such as STK, ANSYS, NX Siemens (and others applicable);
• Experience in software development for experimentation and computer simulation with a hands-on approach;
• 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; and
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.