Openings at South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

Job Requirements

• Reporting to the Science Research and Applications Manager, the Researcher will undertake cutting edge research in a space science related field, train postgraduate students and build a research track record while contributing to growing knowledge and developing applications within SANSA.

The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• PhD – Space Science/Space Physics/Applied Mathematics/Engineering
• 3-5 years’ experience in a research position
• Excellent research track record that demonstrates the ability to do independent research with a strong preference for helio-physics. An added advantage would include space weather and solar physics.
• Peer-reviewed publications with a preference for first-author papers.
• Experience in delivering lectures and seminars.
• Participation in science advancement activities with a preference for postgraduate student supervision.
• Programming skills with a preference for Python.
• The ability to work independently and as part of the team.
• Preference will be given to skills sets and research fields that advance SANSA’s operational space weather ambitions with an added advantage of MHD modelling.
• An advantage is having established or potential research contacts in Africa.
• NRF rating would be 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

go to method of application »

Job Requirements

• Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the management of the Space Science Programme, ensuring it is appropriately positioned on a sustainable basis to deliver strategic programmes for the benefit of the sectors, markets and communities that it serves. The Executive Director is also a Member of the SANSA Executive Team and as such shares a collective responsibility for the strategic oversight of the organisation.

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

• Strategy Planning, Development and Implementation
• Operations Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Business Development

 The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Masters in science, engineering, technology, innovation and commerce or a closely related field
• An MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 10 years in business or technology development, innovation and engineering environment, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior or top management role.
• Innovation Leadership: A proven capacity to lead cutting-edge programmes;
• Strategic Management: Proven track record of the ability to run a national or international business unit efficiently.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in national and international presence and advocacy; and
• Governance: Understanding of compliance, finance and organisational systems.