Current Vacancies at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Principal Researcher: Pavement Engineering and Materials within the Transport Infrastructure Engineering Impact Area of the Smart Mobility Cluster. The group plays a leading role in road construction materials, pavement design, road rehabilitation design and analysis methods, monitoring long-term performance of roads and road material characterisation and assessment. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical and strategic leadership to staff in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering impact area by ensuring quality scientific outputs and the professional development and transformation of the group’s scientific capacity.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence in terms of both quality and delivery.
• Lead research in the development and validation of innovative/alternative/new materials for use in road construction.
• To become recognised as an expert in the field of pavement engineering and materials and associated research, providing thought leadership.
• Networking ability both nationally and internationally, and proven networks within all aspects of transport infrastructure design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Proven contract and project management experience on medium to large-scale projects, preferably involving multi-disciplinary research and development, both in South Africa and internationally.
• Practical knowledge of, and experience in a range of research methods.
• Provide effective mentorship to other colleagues to enhance research capability within the impact area.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Masters’ degree in civil engineering; a PhD is preferable.
• Registration with a relevant professional body.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in at least five of the following fields related to road engineering:
  • material behavioural sciences
  • bituminous binders
  • cementitious binders
  • alternative binders (e.g., polymeric, nano and bio)
  • asphalt technology
  • concrete technology
  • performance assessment and modelling
  • construction and maintenance
  • risk and vulnerability assessment
  • field investigations
  • forensic investigation
  • procurement/contractual models
  • asset management
  • sustainability science, inclusive of climate adaptation and mitigation.
• A track record of leading studies in the fields mentioned above.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A track record in formulating development and implementation strategies.
• Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts, plans and procedures.
• Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge.
• Must have the ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently, as well as in a team.
• Ability to work in a methodical manner is essential.
• Good understanding of the transport sector in South Africa.
• Ability to carry out strategic stakeholder interactions at all levels.
• A track record in attracting and securing funding to support a team.
• Must have excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Ability to continuously disseminate research outputs in the form of technical papers and technical articles.
• Must be computer literate as well as have the ability to understand and use domain specialised software.

 Closing date: 05 August 2024

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Software Engineer in the Command, Control and Integrated Systems Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to design and develop software solutions including middleware and software architectures for command and control, situation awareness, integration, interoperability in military, non-military and safety and security domains. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret user requirements to define software solutions;
• Determine operational feasibility by evaluating analysis, problem definition, requirements, solution development, and proposed solutions;
• Generate solutions design specifications and related data packs to address client requirements;
• Lead the development of concept and technology demonstrators, derived from requirements. This includes developing verification Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP’s) and overseeing/facilitating the acceptance of the concept demonstrator;
• Pro-actively research technologies, developments, tool improvements and its processes as well as deployments to ensure increased productivity;
• Design, develop and test software applications for web, mobile (Android, iOS) and desktop (Windows, ARM);
• Develop software solutions through systems flow, data usage, and work processes; investigating problem areas, following the software development lifecycle;
• Document and demonstrate solutions by developing documentation, flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, charts, code comments and clear code;
• Ensure that system configuration is up to date;
• Contribute to writing proposals to secure funding for the research group;
• Design and develop software architectures and applications for command-and-control demonstrators;
• Design and develop components of command-and-control applications, e.g. user interfaces, mobility, situation awareness, collaboration and integration;
• Research and develop related aspects of software engineering as applied to command and control, e.g. managing common data models, protocol translators, and software services;
• Conceptualise modelling and simulations tools and software solutions for command and control related problems in general, e.g. enterprise utility management, disaster management, infrastructure protection, and anti-poaching;
• Contribute to the development of proposals to attract funding for the research group;
• Provide mentoring and coaching junior staff and students;
• Manage medium size projects, and ensure project outputs are delivered on time, on budget and on brief.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering or related fields with at least five years’ experience in software development;
• An Honours degree will be advantageous;

The following training, knowledge and experience are required:

• Advanced use of network protocols such as, TCP/IP, UDP, HTML etc.;
• Programming Languages (C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Swift, ASP.NET, RESTful, MS SQL, HTML5, CSS3, JQuery, JSON);
• Embedded software development;
• Development of command and control related algorithms, data models, applications (web, mobile, desktop);
• Development of advanced user interfaces (web, mobile, desktop);
• Software development life cycle;
• Software development, test and debugging;
• Software modelling, design methodologies, approaches and techniques;
• Computer networks, configuration, use;
• Proven capability of document preparation;
• Data management and data security;
• System integration and interfacing;

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior PeopleSoft Analyst Developer in the ICT Services portfolio. The incumbent will analyse, design, develop, modify, test, implement, and resolve functionality errors and deficiencies in PeopleSoft and interfacing applications using advanced PeopleSoft analysis and development skills and following the development practices prescribed by best practices and the ICT governance artefacts. He/she will oversee, mentor, coach, and guide development staff on PeopleSoft development, support tasks, and advise on system improvements.  This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Take responsibility for designing complex software components and modules by selecting and using appropriate modelling techniques in line with the most appropriate software design standards, patterns and methodology.
• Design, code, verify, test, document, amend and refactor complex programs/scripts and integration software services.
• Ensure well-engineered outcomes by applying the appropriate standards and tools required to achieve the intended outcome.
• Plan and drive activities to develop organisational systems integration and build capabilities, including automation and continuous integration.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage the adoption of tools, techniques and processes to create a robust integration framework and provide authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of systems integration.
• Collaborate with those responsible for ongoing systems and software life cycle management to select, adopt and adapt working practices.
• Support deployment of the working environment for systems and software life cycle working practices.
• Ensure that all requests for support are dealt with according to standards and procedures.
• Draft and maintain procedures and documentation for application support.
• Contribute to the development of information security policy, standards, and guidelines.
• Obtain and act on vulnerability information and conduct business impact analysis on ERP information systems

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor`s Degree or NQF 6 Diploma in computer science/engineering, information technology or CSIR industry application

A minimum of eight to ten years of development experience in PeopleSoft Finance and Supply Chain Management (FSCM) or PeopleSoft Human Capital Management (HCM), or both and a proven track record in advanced PeopleSoft development and integrations within large/complex projects, including a solid track record in:

• Working under broad direction.
• Self-initiating work required to maintain a high standard of service.
• Meeting allocated technical and/or group objectives.
• Analysing, designing, planning, executing, and evaluating work to time, cost and quality targets.
• Establishing milestones and playing a significant role in assigning tasks and/or responsibilities.
• Influencing organisation, customers, suppliers, partners and peers on the contribution of own specialism.
• Making decisions which impact the success of assigned work, i.e., results, deadlines and budget.
• Significantly influencing the allocation and management of resources appropriate to given assignments.
• Leading user/customer and group collaboration throughout all stages of work.
• Ensuring users’ needs are met consistently through each work stage.
• Building appropriate and effective business relationships across the organisation and with customers, suppliers and partners.
• Creating and supporting collaborative ways of working across group/area of responsibility.
• Facilitating collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives.
• Performing an extensive range and variety of complex technical and/or professional work activities.
• Undertaking work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts.
• Engaging and coordinating with subject matter experts to resolve complex issues as they relate to customer/organisational requirements.
• Fully familiarity with recognised industry bodies of knowledge both generic and specific, and knowledge of the business, suppliers, partners, competitors and clients.
• Having developed a wider breadth of knowledge across the industry or business.
• Applying knowledge to help to define the standards which others will apply.
• Designing systems within technical architectures, including documentation e.g., Diagrams, Models, Technical Specifications, User Documentation, Test Plans, Integration documentation
• Installing, configuring, documenting, testing, training, and implementing new applications and systems
• Working on complex, cross-functional projects
• Improving processes and applications
• Testing new technologies for inclusion in application design/development
• Working across multiple OS platforms with a strong emphasis on Windows and Linux systems

Knowledge of and competence in the provision of ICT application solutions , including:

•  Deep knowledge of diverse technologies and new and current architectures.
•  Working knowledge in a wide variety of programming languages, for example in PeopleTools / SQR /  SQL / PLSQL / Oracle Apex / XML / VBA / Java / JavaScript / HTML / HTML5 etc.
•  Ability to integrate applications across a diverse environment.
•  Knowledge of various application development methodologies and frameworks
•  Knowledge of various application technologies and databases e.g. Oracle EBS, PeopleSoft, MS SQL, MySQL.
•  Understanding of multiple business functions/environments.

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Assistant Laboratory Technician in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering impact area within the Smart Mobility Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for  assisting Technicians conduct road material testing. This is a permanent position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist Technicians with analysis and testing of samples as specified by the test methods, with any modifications approved by the Supervisor/Manager/Group Leader ;
• Carry out testing and analysis of samples as specified in test methods or requests;
• Care, calibration and maintenance of equipment;
• Execute testing as required by the supervisor;
• Implement and follow the requirements of SANS 17025;
• Take responsibility for traceability of samples.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Matric with at least five years’ experience in material testing;
• A valid driver’s licence;
• Knowledge of care, calibration and maintenance of equipment;
• Knowledge of the requirements of SANS 17025;
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills;
• Must have the ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently as well as in a team;
• Must be computer literate with advanced use of Microsoft Excel and other programming platforms;
• Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge;
• Must have good communication, presentation and writing skills;
• Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts, plan and procedures.
• Ability to lift heavy samples of approximately 20kgs

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About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Banqueting Event Services Manager in the CSIR Conferencing and Accommodation (C&A) portfolio. The incumbent must proactively supervise, coordinate, and control the setup, execution and clearing or breakdown of venues. The Incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and controlling the food and beverage service for CSIR ICC ensuring the client’s venue set up, and food and beverage needs are met and exceed expectations whether on-site or during events. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaising with clients during events to ensure client peace of mind and that all client’s requirements are taken care of, and total client satisfaction is ensured;
• Organizing and supervising the daily set up and running of events for the Banqueting Department according to event sheet specifications and set standards;
• Ensuring staff maintain a friendly and efficient service to all customers;
• Control of cashing up of bars and balancing cash float
• Ensuring beverage stock is packed and locked up in the fridge;
• Ensuring front and back-of-house areas are maintained according to set standards;
• Oversee the setup of venues for client events to ensure that space, fittings and fixtures, furniture, and lighting are used to create an atmosphere conducive to improving the client events and leaving brilliant impressions on the minds of all visitors to the Centre;
• Assist the Assistant Banqueting Manager with amending the Banqueting staff duty roster according to business needs and ensuring that the reporting staff are dressed appropriately;
• Liaise with internal clients by attending event sheet meetings, familiarising with event sheets for upcoming events, liaising with Event Coordinators as required, and liaising with other departments as needed to prepare for and execute events;
• Ensure that events run smoothly by ensuring that
  • Logistical requirements are met as per the event sheets, emails, etc. briefing, allocating, and supervising service staff accordingly,
  • Managing client subcontractors to ensure that CSIR ICC rules are adhered to,
  • Checking venue and food service to ensure setups are ready according to standard lead times and quality,
  • Equipment is checked out and back into stores according to standard;
• Check venue temperatures, access doors, lighting, background music, etc., and liaise with other departments to ensure that all venues to be used by clients are prepared to the required standard and ready at least 60 minutes before the scheduled start of use;
• Be the client interface by meeting and greeting the client, introducing yourself, confirming the client’s program, introducing them to their banquet service locations for the day, and confirming any additional needs with them
• Be available to the client throughout their event and, for day/night events hand over the client by introducing them to the replacement Banqueting Event Services Manager if required;
• Responsible for overseeing all operations, safety and security during evening and weekend events.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Matric certificate with a minimum of two to three years’ experience in a convention venue or similar operation/position
• A National Diploma in Hospitality Management or a similar field will be advantageous
• Customer focussed and service driven
• People management skills
• Interpersonal/Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Service excellence skills
• Product and service knowledge
• Knowledge of the industry
• Effective supervision skills
• Complaint handling skills
• Ability to working under pressure