Jobs Available at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RD&I) strategy for the Research Centre;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialization);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programs in order to deliver industry aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting-edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved; 
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the field's expertise within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships;
• 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;
• Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of blockchain and DLT R&D projects, including managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and data scientists.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to cryptocurrency analytics, on- and off-chain data, and related blockchain protocols.

In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialization portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;
• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an "investment ready business" through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science/engineering, information technology or related field with at least six years' experience in technologies domain research within a Research Development and Innovation environment, in blockchain, distributed ledger technologies, or cryptocurrency-related field.
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professions;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high-level conceptualisation;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Business Development and financial acumen;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills; 
• Decisiveness and action orientation; 
• Project Management skills.
• Appropriate national and international Research Development and Innovation networks;
• An understanding of the research to market `innovation' value chain.

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Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, guide and manage R&D projects within the water value-chain infrastructure.  Provide strategic direction to R&D activities, understand and analyse real world problems and user requirements, select from a range of proposed conceptual solutions, formulate key research questions and appropriate R&D approaches.
• Development of operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop Asset Care management documentation.
• Development of strategic water infrastructure planning documentation.
• Design of water distribution network, water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water distribution networks.
• Utilise standard software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
• Undertake field investigations, site inspections, surveys, and condition assessments to support project delivery and research activities.
• Design of roads and related infrastructure, which includes all aspects of the design process and costing.
• Manage project life cycle, technical resources, scheduling of activities to meet client expectations, balancing competing demands on scope, time, cost and quality.
• Develop proposals for different institutions in order to generate funding to pursue the strategic objectives of the CSIR.
• Engage with research programs and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science at national and international level.
• Network with peers in the field expertise within and outside of the CSIR.
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships.
• Generate research papers, reports, reviews and summaries.
• Manage and ensure the development of self and interns through coaching, mentoring, work assignment, structured training and appropriate supervision in order to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Civil engineering with a minimum of ten years experience in the field of water engineering; 
• At least ten years' experience in design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
• Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in water conservation and water demand management (non-revenue water programs) in the municipal space;
• Experience in water resources planning and design;
• Experience with road engineering and associated civil works. 
• Experience in construction project management for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Demonstrated ability to align municipal water infrastructure projects with regional strategic frameworks, including compliance with the National Water Act;
• Professional registration with ECSA; 
• Practical knowledge and application of hydraulic modelling is essential;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer (MS software), programming and IT skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to network and proactively establish and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients as well as the research community;
• Must have a valid driver's licence.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

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Key responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and implementation of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer policy and procedures.
• Review benefit sharing submissions for compliance and make recommendations for approval.
• Provide support and assistance to the Specialist: IPM&TT to ensure CSIR compliance with the IPRPFRD Act. 
• Draft reports to the National IP Management Office (NIPMO) for sign-off by the Specialist: IPM&TT. 
• Coordinate IP Fund rebate submissions for the CSIR.
• Keep up with the changes in external landscape (legislation) and provide inputs to the Specialist: IPM & TT on effect on the organisation
• Conduct benchmarking studies on best practices in IP Management.
• Provide training in IPR Act compliance to CSIR staff.
• Provide support to CSIR stakeholders (e.g., Cluster/Centre, Legal & Compliance, etc) on technology disclosure process, patenting, reporting on all matters relating to IP and technology transfer activities.
• Liaise with patent law firms corresponding with different CSIR entities and refer matters to the relevant parties.
• Identify challenges in the CSIR environment and suggest solutions for ensuring a conducive environment for effective IP and technology transfer activities.
• Coordinate regular IP Management meetings with BD&C Commercialisation Managers (minutes, documentation and agendas) and take responsibility for distributing relevant documents for signature/action/ information.
• Manage commercialisation agreement records.
• Ensure efficient administration and recording of all CSIR IP.
• Maintain project activity records for technology disclosures.
• Review and comment on IP provisions in research agreements, NDAs, MTAs, etc. as required.
• Responsible for populating and maintaining an information management system to record and track the CSIR IP and technology transfer activities.
• Assist in the commissioning/updating of the Information Management System (IMS) and liaison with service providers.
• Provide training in IMS to CSIR staff in their use of IMS and provide line assistance.
• Act as custodian for the IMS (including routine maintenance and centralised data capturing).
• Compile information records and detailed reports on CSIR IP statistics and participate in the organisational reporting process.
• Maintain records of CSIR patents and initiate reminders of due dates for patent prosecution and maintenance.
• Coordinate the CSIRs patent administration activities.
• Report on CSIRs IP management activities and efficiencies therein.
• Follow up and initiate next steps according to project activity records.
• Assist in project management of IP related work derived from the Clusters and Research Centres.
• Maintain IP and TT project activity records and files both paper and electronic.
• Provide assistance to the Specialist: IPM&TT and other members of the IP&TT Office in support of their activities.
• Perform prior art searches on IP and patent information.
• Assist IP&TT Practitioners with desktop market research studies.
• Assist with IP&TT events managed by the IP&TT Office.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in Science Engineering, Technology, Commerce or Law with at least five years experience of which two years must be in an IP, technology transfer, information, or research management domain.
• Knowledge of IP in relation to R&D.
• Attention to detail.
• Deadline driven.
• Ability to integrate and apply skills across multiple disciplines.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• People skills.
• Ability to interact with people at all levels within the CSIR and externally.
• Exposure to the South African National System of innovation and South African Industrial Sector.
• Substantial understanding and awareness of intellectual property management and the IPR Act.
• A working knowledge of the international patent system, including the procedures and the time-lines and applicable types of expense in each phase. 
• Project administration skills.

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Key responsibilities:

• Independently conduct routine and specialised analysis for the laboratory. 
• Independently set up, operate and verify performance of instrumentation (e.g. ICP -OES, ICP MS, FIA, Elemental Analysers, etc.).
• Interpret data scientifically against ISO 17025 quality criteria, industry/legislation
• related criteria and standards, and use specialist knowledge to ensure that correct
• and valid information is provided to clients and stakeholders.
• Validate standard analytical methods to prove `fitness for purpose¿
• Evaluate and improve accuracy, sensitivity, productivity, effectiveness, efficiency and detection limits of routine analytical methods. 
• Perform scheduled instrument maintenance and troubleshooting/diagnostics to minimise downtime.
• Assist and/or facilitate the technical component of ISO 17025 requirements of the laboratory.
• Responsible for technical signatory for at least 20% of all accredited methods. Independently verify results against accepted quality and performance criteria (i.e. QC control charts, reference materials, duplicates, etc.). 
• Carry out routine analyses for simple and complex methods/instruments in the laboratory independently within required quality, EHS and production parameters. 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A BTech or BSc in chemistry or related is required with a minimum of five years experience in an accredited analytical lab is required.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in environmental labs.
• Must have experience as a technical signatory in a testing laboratory.
• Must be able to interact with peers and supervisors.
• Must be able to interpret analytical data for integrity and against known quality criteria.
• Must have sound knowledge of analytical chemistry as it relates to the operations of the laboratory.
• A firm understanding of Laboratory Information Management Systems will be an advantage.
• Good grasp of method validation processes.
• Computer literacy and competency in MS Office. 
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• A strong sense of responsibility is a key requirement.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately and well under pressure.
• Competent in all routine methods in the laboratory.
• Adhere to the laboratory¿s quality system and EHS procedures. 

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Key responsibilities:

• Perform research and development work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Design of electronic subsystems;
• Analog and digital circuit design;
• Printed circuit board (PCB) design;
• Software development 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;
• 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 three years' in electronic engineering experience.

Experience related in the following fields:

• Interpret requirements and specifications;
• Analog and digital circuit design;
• Schematic and PCB design with Altium Designer or similar;
• Debug designs and perform verification testing;
• Proficiency in the C programming language, as well as a higher-level object-oriented language, would be advantageous;
• Embedded firmware development;
• Generate design documentation, data packs and build history files.
• Proficiency with standard electronic laboratory equipment, e.g. signal generator, oscilloscope, multimeter, soldering equipment;
• Must be a South African citizen - NO dual citizenship;
• Able to obtain a valid South African security clearance;
• Must have a valid (Code B or higher) driver's licence;
• 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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Key responsibilities:

The successful candidate would be involved in the design, development, test, evaluation and qualification of electronic modules and sub-systems. This will include, amongst others, the following:

Interpretation of requirements and specifications

• Interpret user requirements and/or system level requirements.
• Generate detailed item development specifications.
• Develop test plans.

Digital and analogue design

• Participate in digital and analogue design.
• Develop code for microprocessor units (MCUs).
• Implement firmware designs on pure digital and mixed digital/analogue devices.
• Perform simulations to verify design functions both for electronic hardware and firmware designs.
• Capture schematic designs.
• Design printed circuit board (PCB) layouts.
• Develop code for programmable logic devices (field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs)) using very high-speed integrated circuit hardware description language (VHDL).

Debugging and verification

• Debug designs.
• Perform sub-system and system integration.
• Develop test procedures.
• Perform functional verification testing, qualification testing and acceptance testing.
• Complete test reports.

Generation of data pack, design documentation and build history

• Generate design documentation and data packs.
• Generate production data packs and build history files.

Project management

• Plan project execution (budget forecasting, task determination, resource allocation, execution timelines).
• Manage and monitor internal resources.
• Monitor and report risks, timelines and budget.
• Liaise with suppliers, clients and third parties.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering in electronic engineering with at least three years' experience in firmware, digital hardware and mixed signal design;
• A Master's degree will be advantageous;

Must have experience in the following:

• Design and set to work of digital and mixed signal PC Boards;
• Debugging of hardware;
• PCB design;
• Embedded firmware development;.

The following experience will be advantageous:

• FPGA and/or CPLD development using either Vivado or Quartus environments.
• VHDL development of complex circuits;
• STM platform;
• Altium.
• Proficient in the C programming language;
• Ability to understand or develop high speed digital/analogue hardware will be considered an advantage;
• Proven capability of document preparation;
• Must be comfortable working in Linux environments and navigating command-line interfaces.

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Research areas:

• Foundation models for defect segmentation and anomaly detection (e.g. SAM, SAM2, Vision Transformers)
• Domain adaptation and transfer learning for industrial inspection tasks
• Explainability and interpretability methods for AI-based inspection systems
• Dataset preparation, annotation workflows, and model benchmarking for defect detection
• Real-time deployment of segmentation models for industrial computer vision
• Multimodal data integration and AI-assisted quality control systems

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art around the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem that the student identified in his/her proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications around this research topic;
• Compile the master's thesis and defend the work successfully;
• Contribute to extra activities that may be outside the scope of the master's 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:

• An Honours degree in computer science/engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, information technology or a related field;
• The ability to generate research questions and hypotheses: Review, critique and synthesize a body of research, identifying significant gaps in knowledge, methods, and study subjects to develop research questions and testable hypotheses;
• Effectively communicate issues, research findings and implications of research verbally and in writing to appropriate professional and public audiences;
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals who take ownership and initiative and have the willingness to learn;
• The ability to work well under pressure as part of a team and as well as independently 
• Foundational knowledge of machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision; familiarity with Python and common ML frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow) will be advantageous;
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous. 

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Key responsibilities:

• Interpret requirements and specifications;
• Design and develop embedded firmware for microcontrollers and IoT systems; 
• Build, test, and debug embedded systems prototypes; 
• Collaborate with the product design team to integrate electronics into hardware systems; 
• Provide circuit design and PCB development; 
• Perform bench testing using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analysers; 
• Maintain software repositories and manage version control using Git; 
• Support technical training and assist participants or interns on embedded-related projects; 
• Prepare documentation and technical reports on all embedded system-related activities. 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor degree in electronic engineering with at least three years' experience in firmware development;
• Experience working with microcontrollers, sensors, and communication protocols is required; 
• Web or Mobile Software development will be added advantage;
• Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar languages; 
• Solid understanding of electronics principles, power systems, and circuit protection; 
• Familiarity with PCB layout and schematic design; 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; 
• Strong attention to detail and document preparation. 

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Key responsibilities:

• Develop cutting edge real-time software;
• Push the boundaries of current technology in processing throughput;
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to design, develop, and implement breakthrough radar technologies in South Africa, set for successful deployment within the global defence market;
• Develop high-performance systems that challenge the limits of radar and system design;
• Engineer groundbreaking solutions at the heart of next-generation radar systems.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree in electronic or computer engineering with at least three years' experience in software engineering; OR
• A Master's degree in electronic or computer engineering with at least one  year experience;

Experience in the following is required:

• Digital Signal Processing;
• C++ (preferably, otherwise C or C#), and/ Python;
• Data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimization;
• GIT Version Control and CI/CD tools;
• Linux development environments;
• Understanding of how networks work.

Experience in the following will be advantageous;

• Modern C++ standards and libraries;
• Object-oriented programming;
• GPGPU programming (CUDA);
• Control system development;
• Data acquisition;
• Radar, Communications or Electronic Warfare signal processing 
• UI/UX development (e.g. in Qt);
• Embedded systems;
• Production software environments;
• End-to-end lifecycle of software development.
• High ownership and autonomy across the end-to-end lifecycle of software development.
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established code bases.