Website Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, t… read moreechnological innovation as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of the country’s people. The CSIR is committed to supporting innovation in South Africa to improve national competitiveness in the global economy. Science and technology services and solutions are provided in support of various stakeholders, and opportunities are identified where new technologies can be further developed and exploited in the private and public sectors for commercial and social benefit. The CSIR’s shareholder is the South African Parliament, held in proxy by the Minister of Science and Technology. Meiring Naudé Road; Brummeria; Pretoria; South Africa
About the job:
The CSIR has a vacancy for a Researcher in the Water Centre Area, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and conducting research projects in the field of Civil Engineering in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This position is based in Pretoria.
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;
Develop operations and maintenance planning for water and wastewater infrastructure;
Develop Asset Care management documentation;
Development of strategic infrastructure planning documentation;
Design of water distribution network, water and wastewater infrastructure
Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water network schemes;
Utilize software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure;
Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork, including site visits, surveys and inspections.
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 to generate appropriate funds 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 to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
A BEng degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering with at least five years’ experience in the field of water engineering;
A postgraduate degree in civil engineering or Water Engineering will be an added advantage
Three to five years’ experience in design of water and wastewater infrastructure
Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
Experience with road engineering and associated civil works.
Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance planning documents for water and wastewater infrastructure;
Professional registration with ECSA;
Practical knowledge and application of hydraulic modelling is essential;
Knowledge of civil/water engineering practice and understanding of the water value chain.
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
Closing Date
17/09/2025
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