Jobs at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the Emerging Digital Technologies for Fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design, develop and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems architecture and solutions. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes; 
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects; 
• Research, develop and test innovative solutions in AI and remain well-versed in new approaches in tools, methods or technologies in the evolving AI space; 
• Supervise/mentor junior staff in the area(s) of expertise;
• Generate and lead 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;
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions; 
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer; 
• Advance theoretical AI approaches to deployable solutions, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production systems
• Develop technology demonstrators to contribute to an increase in new localised technologies

Qualifications, skills and experience

• An Honour¿s degree in computer science/engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information technology or related fields with at least seven years¿ experience in artificial intelligence (AI) /machine learning (ML) and software development in artificial intelligence technologies;
• A Master¿s degree will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Applied machine-learning with regression, classification, etc. models for supervised learning;
• Computer vision tasks
• Natural language processing and understanding,
• Building multimodal models;
• Unstructured data;
• Big-data unsupervised learning;
• Data platform engineering;
• Proficiency and experience building AI models with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow, Keras or Theano;
• Ability to select hardware (and relevant production/deployment knowledge) to run an ML model with the required latency;

Business Development and financial acumen; 

• Ability to construct scopes and proposals for potential clients. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; 

Exposure to Project Management;

• Technical lead for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of transforming/implementing software/algorithms for use in real-life systems would be advantageous;
• Conflict management skills will be advantageous; 
• Knowledge of programming in modern object orientated languages, with Open-Source development tools and platforms; 
• Ability to apply resource management techniques to run an ML model with the required latency;
• Demonstrated experience in bringing theoretical machine-learning approaches illustrated in academia research papers to actual implementations, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production system certain advanced ML and applied ML algorithms;
• Cloud-based platforms: AWS, IBM Cloud, Azure;
• Ability to demonstrate Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics/statistics/computer science);
• Demonstrated ability to supervise/mentor/develop junior staff;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management ¿ includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, multi-disciplinary knowledge.

What¿s in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

Closing Date

22/01/2026

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About the job: 

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Artificial Intelligence Engineer in the Emerging Digital Technologies for Fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design, develop and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems architecture and solutions. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes; 
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects; 
• Research, develop and test innovative solutions in AI and remain well-versed in new approaches in tools, methods or technologies in the evolving AI space; 
• Supervise/mentor junior staff in the area(s) of expertise;
• Generate and lead 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;
• Participate in external task teams or committees in relevant domains;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions; 
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer; 
• Advance theoretical AI approaches to deployable solutions, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production systems
• Develop technology demonstrators to contribute to an increase in new localised technologies

Qualifications, skills and experience

• An Honour¿s degree in computer science/engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information technology or related fields with at least seven years¿ experience in artificial intelligence (AI) /machine learning (ML) and software development in artificial intelligence technologies;
• A Master¿s degree will be advantageous;

Experience in the following is required:

• Applied machine-learning with regression, classification, etc. models for supervised learning;
• Computer vision tasks
• Natural language processing and understanding,
• Building multimodal models;
• Unstructured data;
• Big-data unsupervised learning;
• Data platform engineering;
• Proficiency and experience building AI models with a deep learning framework such as TensorFlow, Keras or Theano;
• Ability to select hardware (and relevant production/deployment knowledge) to run an ML model with the required latency;

Business Development and financial acumen; 

• Ability to construct scopes and proposals for potential clients. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; 

Exposure to Project Management;

• Technical lead for complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of transforming/implementing software/algorithms for use in real-life systems would be advantageous;
• Conflict management skills will be advantageous; 
• Knowledge of programming in modern object orientated languages, with Open-Source development tools and platforms; 
• Ability to apply resource management techniques to run an ML model with the required latency;
• Demonstrated experience in bringing theoretical machine-learning approaches illustrated in academia research papers to actual implementations, i.e. implemented and deployed into large-scale production system certain advanced ML and applied ML algorithms;
• Cloud-based platforms: AWS, IBM Cloud, Azure;
• Ability to demonstrate Object-orientated software engineering skills;
• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics/statistics/computer science);
• Demonstrated ability to supervise/mentor/develop junior staff;
• Demonstrated skills in: analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, investigative orientation, planning and organising, problem solving, verbal and written communication, team work, self-management (planning, prioritising and time management ¿ includes the ability to work independently), systems level thinking, multi-disciplinary knowledge.

What¿s in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. 

Closing Date

18/01/2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Remuneration and Benefits Consultant in the CSIR Human Capital (HC) portfolio. The incumbent will be responsible for driving excellence in job management-related activities and processes in support of the organisational remuneration management. The incumbent will manage the job evaluation process and provide advice and guidance on job evaluation requests. The incumbent will promote the understanding of benefits, Employee Value Proposition, in support of staff retention and guide employees on insured risk-benefit offerings, manage effective stakeholder engagement and relationships. Manage remuneration and benefits projects. This position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to Total Rewards Manager.
• About the Human Capital Management Portfolio.

The HC Development and Management portfolio is a requisite pillar in ensuring the achievement of the strategic objective of building and transforming the required human capital and embedding the values of CSIR¿s Excellence, People-centred, Integrity and Collaboration (EPIC).

Key responsibilities:

Job Management

• Provide expert advice and guidance on job descriptions and job evaluations;
• Drive quality assurance of job descriptions in the organization;
• Provide training in writing job descriptions for the business;
• Maintain the active job directory in the HC system;
• Actively manage job description and evaluation catalogues and database;
• Actively manage and participate in job evaluation process. Provide training on the job catalogue and job database.

Remuneration

• Provide input and reports for the annual salary surveys and conduct annual and ad hoc market benchmarking exercise(s);
• Provide inputs and reports for remuneration and benefits trend surveys;
• Contribute to the annual market benchmark report for Exco/Board;
• Calculate and provide internal benchmark information, on request;
• Provide support in the annual salary increase and short-term incentive payment processes;
• Provide inputs for Human Capital Management Reports;
• Provide inputs in the review and development of Remuneration and Benefits related policies, procedures, guidelines, process flows, templates, etc;
• Provide recommendations for continuous improvement of processes.

Recognition Programmes

• Coordinate and provide support for the Excellence Awards process;
• Validate and recommend long service award milestones;

Employee Benefits

• Provide expert advice on employees on insured risk benefit offerings;
• Provide guidance and support with risk insurance, death claims, pension fund enquiries, transfers and withdrawals;
• Engage with Pension Fund Administrator, Benefit consultants, Risk insurer on escalated enquiries, withdrawal and insurance claims;
• Provide recommendations for continuous improvement of processes;

Employee Communication and Engagement

• Drive awareness campaigns. Arrange and coordinate webinars and roadshows;
• Coordinate logistics and manage the on-site visits by service providers;
• Present employee benefits offering and package structuring options at monthly on-boarding information sessions;
• Present at monthly off-boarding sessions the various pension fund withdrawal options, benefit conversion options and tax implications;
• Engage with Pension Fund Administrator, Benefit consultants, Risk insurer on escalated enquiries, withdrawal and insurance claims;

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers, with a strong focus on client service and service delivery;
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. wellness, communications, HC) to plan and organize special events and communication drives;
• Act as liaison between service providers and payroll / e-HR;

Project Management

• Actively manage the projects of the remuneration and benefits team;
• Actively participate in ad hoc projects and initiatives.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Minimum of BCom degree in human resource management/ industrial psychology or any other related field with five years¿ experience in human resources /remuneration and benefits/ payroll.
• BCom Hons degree in human resource management/industrial psychology will be advantageous.
• Experience in job description writing and job evaluation will be advantageous
• Knowledge/understanding of King Corporate Governance Code, Labour Relations Act, Employment Equity Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Protection of Personal Information Act is advantageous.

Advantageous Certifications/Accreditations

• Global Reward Professional (GRP) certification or Minimum Rewards Standards (MRS) accreditation
• Registration with a professional body (such as SARA)
• Professional Designation (SARA)
• Insurance Institute of SA (IISA) Certification
• Certification in a recognised job grading tool
• Project Management certification
• Competencies required:
• Numerical skills and analytical thinking
• Stakeholder, partnership, and relationship management skills.
• Interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills (written, verbal, presentation).
• Engaging and managing diversity
• Customer service orientation
• Programme and project management
• Resilience, perseverance and stress management
• Results and solution-orientated

What¿s in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.      

Closing Date

16/01/2026

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About the job: 

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Programme Manager: Agroprocessing Enterprise Upscaling and Acceleration in the Advanced Agri and Food Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for managing a portfolio of projects on Agroprocessing Enterprise Upscaling and Acceleration across the Agroprocessing Research Group within the Advanced Agri and Food Cluster. Coordinate operations of end-to-end cannabis research facility and the transition from research and innovation to market-ready products. This position is based in Pretoria. This position reports to the Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities:

Program Office Management

• To conceptualize, implement and operate infrastructure and systems for the management of program and related projects within the broad context of existing Advanced Agri and Food Cluster systems.

Program Management 

• To lead and manage the definition of project phases (life-cycle phases and related systems).
• To lead and co-ordinate the preparation of proposals for multi-year, multi-disciplinary contract product and process development programs and projects.
• To ensure, in conjunction with the program/lead systems engineer, that the programs deliver what was contracted and individual funder objectives are met.
• Ensures that the program is given the appropriate priority and attention by all the impact areas, research groups and external teams participating.
• Lead program planning and scheduling, monitors progress and takes corrective action.

Stakeholder Management

• To leverage the multidisciplinary strength of CSIR and its partners for increased stakeholders/user impact and benefit.
• Support the marketing of the program to stakeholders and customers.
• Manage funders and other stakeholders in terms of contracts, deliverables, and non-tangible expectations.
• Coordinate conflicting requirements of stakeholders and various funding streams to deliver a capability over the short and medium term.
• Coordinate the funders to align technical activities, and milestones across the program so that the overall program makes sense.
• Manage relationships with stakeholder and funding groups with potentially conflicting requirements, objectives and expectations.

Securing Financial Sustainability through operational excellence

• Responsible for program budgets, schedule, and performance (technical performance accountability shared with the Research Group Leader).
• Support the development of funding streams for the Program that may be too large for the budgets of a single customer/stakeholder.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Honours degree in Agriculture/Biology/Chemistry/Applied Chemistry and related disciplines, with at least ten years¿ program management experience in a multi-disciplinary R&D environment, certifications as a Project Management Professional will be an added advantage.
• Strong project management, contract management and stakeholder management skills required.
• Proven leadership track record.
• Knowledge of Projects based on R&D approaches such as incremental, spiral, or evolutionary development.
• Risk management.
• Analytical Skills.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Influencing and negotiating skills.
• Tenacious, energetic approach to matters.
• Learning and personal development orientation.
• Financial acumen
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

What¿s in it for you? 

The CSIR offers:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.                                                                                

Closing date: 22 January 2026