Jobs at NECSA

Key Features of the Programme:

• Structured Assignments: Gain exposure to various functions and competencies related to the execution of projects.
• Real-World Project Experience: Contribute meaningfully to active, high-impact projects from the outset.
• Continuous Mentorship & Performance Development: Receive guidance, feedback, and career support from experienced technical experts.
• Learning & Skills Development: Participate in a combination of on-the-job training, technical workshops, and specialist courses
• Designed to strengthen subject matter application and professional competencies — including communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
• Career Progression: Establish a solid foundation for future growth, with the potential for permanent placement upon successful completion of the programme.

Requirements

We are seeking highly motivated and talented scientific and engineering graduates who meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Relevant Qualifications: B.Eng or BSc, Honours or Master’s degree in the following disciplines: Physics / Computer Science/ Chemistry as well as National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, in Industrial Physics and in Chemistry.
• Academic Performance: Strong academic record with excellent results in core STEM subjects.
• Experience: No prior full-time work experience is required. Previous vacation work, internships, or research projects will be beneficial.
• Technical Skills: Computer literate and familiar with relevant calculational software (e.g. Simulation, or modelling tools).
• Core Competencies: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills — both written and verbal.
• Personal Attributes: A collaborative team player with curiosity, adaptability, leadership potential, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Closing date:  03 July 2026

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Key Performance Areas

Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally to project leads and at international conferences/meetings
• Initiate publications, through supervision or as project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa at appropriate local and international forums with regard to computational support to the MPR project.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialisation.
• Lead research teams.
• Support, if required, MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to NECSA business processes

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2-3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI). 
• Support applications forresearch funding applicable to Necsa projects.

SHEQ and other audits

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline manager and its associated responsibilities, licencing an operational compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.

Financial Management

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.

Qualifications and Experience:

Academic

• MSc/MEng/MTech in Science or Engineering
• PhD/DTech in Science or Engineering considered an advantage.

Minimum experience required

8-10 years research experience in radiation and reactor analysis, of which:

• 2-3 years in scientific project coordination, and further includes:
• 2 to 3 years in project leadership;
• 2 to 3 years in technology development;
• 3 to 4 years of experience in human capital development.

Closing date:  15 July 2026