Jobs at South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

Compulsory Competence, Experience and Expertise

• PhD – Space Science/Space Physics/Applied Mathematics/Engineering
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a research or academic position
• Excellent research track record that demonstrates the ability to do independent research in Space Physics with a preference for space weather physics.
• Peer-reviewed publications with a preference for first-author papers (minimum 1 p.a.)
• Demonstrated track record in human capital development with a preference for postgraduate student supervision.
• Experience in research proposal writing.

Desirable Competence, Experience and Expertise

• Experience in delivering lectures and seminars.
• Participation in science advancement activities
• Programming skills with a preference for Python.
• The ability to work independently and as part of the team.
• An advantage is having established or potential research contacts in other African countries.
• NRF rating would be an advantage.  
• Experience in Machine Learning is an advantage.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

• Undertake cutting edge research and development
• International and national partnerships
• Human Capacity development and outreach
• General administration

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Requirements

The successful candidates will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault

• finding, and repairs of all the equipment and experiments related to Space Weather research at SANAE IV base and will report to South Afri National Space Agency: Hermanus. The incumbent will have to be involved in the design and implementation of new equipment as well as commission,maintain, calibrate, and modify electronic instruments and system where necessary. 
• The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining SANSA’scomputer equipment and IT infrastructure and for the collection, reduction, and analysis of scientific data; give core engineering support; prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock takes, order spares, and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by all expedition members.
• Applicants should be comfortable working at heights and will have to complete a Working at Heights course during the training period. Preference will be given to individuals with previous SANAP experience. Successful applicants will spend a few months in Hermanus from 1 June 2026 for training, and then more than a full year (Dec 2026 to Feb 2028) in Antarctica. There is no option to return to South Africa before February 2028.
• The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.

The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• A degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or equivalent (NQF level 7) required
• MEng, MSc or MTech will be an added advantage
• The incumbent should be competent in electronic maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities
• Experience working with computers, especially with LINUX operating systems
• Experience in programming, especially in BASH or Python, would be an advantage
• Competent in the use of general electronics test and measurement equipment (Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc); and familiarity with the use of general workshop tools
• The incumbent must be able to work independently with minimal support under extreme pressure and without supervision
• The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills, and can work in a team.
• Previous SANAP experience will be added advantage