Careers at the CSIR 2018
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Careers at the CSIR
YOUR PASSPORT TO A CAREER AT THE CSIR The CSIR is a remarkable organisation distinguished for its excellence in research and development, as well as its commitment to making an impact in people’s lives. To achieve these goals, highly skilled people are required – which is why we are always looking for bright, passionate people to embark on this journey with us. By building and investing in a strong core of professionals in research and development, we contribute to the development of a national pool of scientists, engineers and technologists. The positioning statement of the CSIR, ‘our future through science’, expresses the unshaken resolve of the CSIR to harness the power of science and technology for building a prosperous future for South Africa. However, this future can only materialise if more young people choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The CSIR contributes to this effort by providing opportunities for skills development and career progression. Young researchers are highly regarded at the CSIR because as the next generation, they will play the biggest role in transforming the science, engineering and technology skills base in South Africa. The CSIR firmly believes in nurturing and developing the expertise of its young researchers, ensuring that they are not only able to independently conduct research, but that they can also be role models for students and learners. Choosing the right career is a critical step in your life. Your career choice will determine where you go, what you learn and who you meet. It will allow you to unleash your full potential and fulfil your passion. It will determine your legacy for generations to come. It is therefore important to make informed decisions. The more you plan for a successful and fulfilling career, the more opportunities there will be to find a career in which you can grow and reach your full potential. When choosing your career path, you have to ask yourself: What do I want from a career? What do I expect? What is it that I am looking for in an employer? Career paths within the STEM field are seldom linear. Scientists and researchers are exposed to so many different opportunities, that many choose to grow in a whole new area of interest they had not considered before. In this career booklet, we highlight some of the careers available at the CSIR and provide some pointers on the academic institutions offering the relevant qualifications, as well as the characteristics you require, ensuring a perfect fit with your chosen career.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Researches, designs and develops Aeronautical engineers The University of the Witwatersrand Mechanical engineer
aircraft and spacecraft. They also typically enjoy solving is the only institution in South and industrial engineer
perform fundamental research that complicated problems. Africa that offers a full aeronautical
AERONAUTICAL
relates to aerodynamics, aircraft They have an aptitude for engineering undergraduate
structures and related materials. They mathematics and science degree. Other universities, such
ENGINEER
are involved in the optimisation of and are creative. The type of as the University of Pretoria, offer
aircraft components, such as wings, work brings a fair amount of mechanical engineering with some
engine inlets, tail sections and challenges, so perseverance aeronautical subjects included in an
fuselages. is key. undergraduate degree.
Performs tests and other procedures To be an analytical chemist, The majority of South African Quality assurance
on compounds to discern their one needs to have an tertiary education institutions offer manager in the food
nature. They typically do this work inquisitive mind and be keen qualifications in chemistry or industry, production
ANALYTICAL
in laboratories, where they operate to explore and solve problems. analytical chemistry. line manager in the
CHEMIST
and maintain instruments such as You need to be organised petrochemical industry
spectrometers and chromatography and have an acute interest in
instruments. technology.
Studies, analyses and draws To work as a behavioural Most South African universities offer Human resource
BEHAVIOURAL
actionable conclusions about how scientist one must get along degrees in psychology, sociology practitioner, corporate
people think, act and react to a wide well with people from diverse and anthropology. psychologist,
SCIENTIST
variety of situations in various fields backgrounds and also have a sociologist and
such as the military, police, business lot of patience. anthropologist
organisations and many more.
Explores the chemical processes To qualify as a biochemist, The majority of South African tertiary Structural biologist,
within, and related to, living one needs to obtain good education institutions offer science biotechnologist,
organisms. They work in laboratories grades in mathematics, as well degrees. medical biochemist,
to bring together biology and as physical and life sciences protein biochemist,
chemistry to solve problems such in matric. For undergraduate application specialist
BIOCHEMIST
as those in the biotechnology and studies, one needs to take for equipment or
related fields. at least one of the following consumable supplies
subjects as a major: Biology, and laboratory
microbiology or biochemistry. manager
Works at the intersect of engineering, Strong abilities in mathematics Most South African universities Electronic engineer,
science, biotechnology, chemistry, and science are required. offer a BEng degree in electronic biomedical scientist,
and nanotechnology, to design and Subjects such as computer engineering. It is important though medical doctor
BIOENGINEER
manufacture products and solutions. science and biology are also to choose a university with a strong
useful, but not essential. engineering faculty that allows for
specialisation in bioengineering.
Some examples are the University of
Pretoria, UCT and Stellenbosch.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Concern themselves with the practical Chemical engineers should be Chemical engineering is offered Chemist, process
design and operation of equipment interested in how processes at most universities in the country, designer, materials
used in making new products or work and how products are as well as some universities of scientist
ENGINEER
CHEMICAL
chemicals as well as streamlining developed. They should excel technology.
existing production processes. in mathematics, physics and
chemistry.
Civil engineers design, construct, Civil engineers need to be Most South African universities and Environmental
CIVIL ENGINEER
maintain and adapt the built innovative, willing to work universities of technology offer civil engineer, transport
environment infrastructure. hard and continuously develop engineering programmes. engineer, hydraulics
their skills. engineer, geotechnical
engineer and structural
engineer
Studies the ongoing processes One must have problem- The University of Stellenbosch is Marine engineer,
and construction within the coastal solving skills, be a logical the only university in South Africa oceanographer
COASTAL ENGINEER
zone. The field involves aspects of thinker and have strong offering specialisation in coastal
nearshore oceanography, marine abilities in subjects such engineering.
geology, and civil engineering, as mathematics, applied
often directed at combating erosion mathematics and physical
of coasts or providing navigational science. Most importantly, one
access. should have a love for the sea
and being outdoors.
Helps researchers to understand You should enjoy spending Most South African universities offer Software engineer,
– HIGH PERFORMANCE
COMPUTER SCIENTIST
complex data sets by using software long hours behind a computer courses in computer science. software developer,
to visualise them. and be good at problem- business analyst
solving and logical reasoning.
COMPUTING
Uses their analytical skills to find and To become a good data Most South African universities offer Risk analyst (banking
merge different data sources, analyse scientist, one needs strong degrees in computer science, with and insurance),
them and formulate it in such a way technical skills such as Honours and Master’s degrees in scientific informaticist
that people understand their results. mathematical modelling and data science or related disciplines (biological patterns,
algorithm design. You also such as machine learning, data chemical structure
DATA SCIENTIST
need to be curious and willing mining and artificial intelligence. The modelling), academic
to continuously earn and Sol Plaatjie University in Kimberley or researcher
change with society if you in the Northern Cape offers an
want to stay relevant. undergraduate programme in data
science.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Electromechanical engineers bridge You must have an aptitude for Currently, the University of Cape Mechanical engineer
ELECTROMECHANICAL
the gap between two disciplines mathematics and physics, love Town is the only tertiary education and electronic engineer
(mechanical and electrical challenges and have a great institution to offer a degree course
engineering) that often work together. deal of persistence. in electromechanical engineering in
South Africa. However, mechatronics
ENGINEER
engineering is a very similar field
and is widely offered at many South
African universities.
Applies science to improve the Environmental researchers Degrees in environmental science Environmental
understanding of the causes and need a keen interest in are offered at most South African engineer, climate
drivers of air pollution, as well as the environment, good universities. specialist, geoscientist.
the study and discovery of means communication skills and
ENVIRONMENTAL
to mitigate the negative effects of the ability to work well with
climate change. This generally others.
involves collecting data on the
SCIENTIST
sources of pollution emissions and
quantifying the impacts on air quality
and on people.
Studies and characterises properties To succeed as an enzymologist Most universities in South Africa Molecular biologist,
of enzymes and how these function you need good technical offer a BSc in biochemistry or proteomicist, protein
ENZYMOLOGIST
in biological systems, with an acumen in this field. You have biotechnology. biochemist
emphasis on translating these into to develop dynamic problem-
products and solutions for research, solving skills to formulate
industry and health. solutions in response to a
multitude of challenges.
GIS specialists visualise, analyse You need to have a good Learners can study at any university A GIS specialist can
INFORMATION SYSTEM
and interpret data to understand understanding of geography, in South Africa. Some universities work for government
relationships, patterns and trends. mathematics, physics and offer GIS as part of geography, departments, local
statistics. surveying or environmental sciences. authorities, state-
(GIS) SPECIALIST
owned entities, private
GEOGRAPHIC
companies, mining
houses and academia.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
An information security engineer You need to have a passion Information security engineering can Security architect,
develops, monitors, evaluates and for the development of security be studied at various South African incident responder,
SECURITY ENGINEER
maintains systems and procedures measures and the patience universities, such as the universities security consultant,
to protect identified networks and to educate people on how of Pretoria, Johannesburg and security analyst,
INFORMATION
systems from unauthorised access. to protect themselves against Cape Town as well as the Cape computer forensics
cyber criminals who employ Peninsula University of Technology, expert, security
tactics that have not previously Stellenbosch University and the specialist and malware
been thought of. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan analyst.
University.
Designs innovative laser systems for Physicists are curious about Stellenbosch University and the Computer programmer,
a variety of applications in sectors how things work and why they universities of the Witwatersrand astronomer,
ranging from industry, to medicine, work in a specific way. To and KwaZulu-Natal offer courses that mathematical modeller
PHYSICIST
defence and communications. specialise in the area of laser specialise in lasers.
LASER
beams, one needs a good
understanding of photonics.
Uses the huge fundamental base of An aptitude for mathematics, Various South African universities Lecturer, materials
knowledge on materials and their physics, chemistry, design offer degrees in metallurgy and consultant to industry
processing to develop properties and engineering is required. materials engineering. Students and research manager
MATERIALS ENGINEER
and new materials suited to specific You need to be an analytical can also follow a general science
applications. For example, using thinker and be system- track by acquiring a BSc in physics
titanium powder to make industrial oriented. or chemistry at any university and
components such as valves. following this up with a specialisation
in materials engineering at the
Stellenbosch University or the
University of Cape Town
Collects and analyses atmospheric To work as a meteorologist The University of Pretoria offers a Atmospheric modeller,
data on, for instance, wind, air in general, you need to love degree in meteorology, while the Weather forecaster
pressure and humidity to predict the natural environment and University of Cape Town offers
METEOROLOGIST
weather patterns. These forecasts are have an aptitude for working degrees in ocean and atmosphere
needed by industries, farmers, event with large datasets. You also sciences. The Universities of the
planners and the general public. need to take mathematics and Witwatersrand and Venda, as well
physics at university. as the North-West University offer
postgraduate degrees that include
meteorology-related topics.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Microscopists support almost every These professionals pay A degree in natural sciences or Material scientist,
field of science. In the healthcare attention to detail and have engineering from universities and physicist, chemical and
industry, they may identify abnormal a genuine interest in science universities of technology can metallurgical engineer,
cells or disease-causing pathogens and a strong commitment provide the basic background polymer technologist
in tissue, while those who support to customer satisfaction, needed to become a microscopist. and biologist
MICROSCOPIST
environmental science may seek collaboration and team
toxins or small organisms in water work. They have good
samples. communication skills and the
ability to work in a fast-paced
environment.
A scientist who studies the ocean. To become an oceanographer The University of Cape Town and Marine biologist,
The scope of the studies includes you should have a love for the the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan chemical
OCEANOGRAPHER
the geology of the sea floor and the ocean and be interested in University are some of the universities oceanographer,
physical properties within the ocean, science. A sense of curiosity offering oceanography-related marine physicist and
the ecosystem dynamics, ocean about the Earth system and qualifications in South Africa. climatologist
currents and waves. how the land and ocean
interact is imperative - being
able to swim is not.
Studies how atmospheric pollutants One needs to be able to Aspiring photochemical modellers Air quality modeller
PHOTOCHEMICAL
interact through chemistry involving grasp computer programming, should take chemistry as part and atmospheric
radiation from the sun, and how because a lot of time is of a BSc degree. BSc and MSc scientist
MODELLER
these are dispersed in space over spent working with data and (Environmental Science) qualifications
time to affect air quality. developing models. can be obtained at most universities
in South Africa.
Uses their knowledge of the Physicists must be driven Most universities in South Africa offer Astrophysicist,
PHYSICIST – QUANTUM
fundamental laws of nature by a curiosity about the both undergraduate courses and photonics researcher,
to develop new technological forces of nature and how it postgraduate degrees in physics. nuclear engineer
OPTICS RESEARCH
innovations. This includes research works, believe in the spirit
into the quantum control of atoms of exploration, and have
and molecules, developing quantum patience, coupled with
control applications of trapped ions discipline.
and ultrafast pulsed lasers.
Studies the diversity of plants in an A love of the outdoors and Most universities in South Africa offer Agricultural specialist,
ECOLOGIST
ecosystem. plants, and an interest in and undergraduate and postgraduate conservationist
PLANT
understanding of agriculture. courses in botany and ecology.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Combines science, engineering and Engineers who work in the If interested in robotics, start with a Computer scientist,
art to design and develop robots for field of robotics constantly degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineer,
industry and various sectors. attempt to break new ground. which is offered by most South electrical engineer,
They need to be resilient, African universities. In your Honours mechatronics engineer
ROBOTICS ENGINEER
with an ability to solve year, choose your project topic in and computational
problems and a willingness robotics and add as many computer neuroscientist
to continuously improve the programming and mathematical
(ROBOTICIST)
specialist skills needed for their studies during your degree.
focus area through reading
and communication with their
peers.
Applies engineering principles within To be a great software The basic degrees are in electronic Computer scientist,
a digital space. The work involves engineer, one needs to be and computer engineering. These mathematician,
design, conceptualisation, creation, passionate, patient, curious, courses can be studied at many physicist, programmer
SOFTWARE
ENGINEER
innovation and a strong focus on innovative and a problem- universities across South Africa. and systems engineer
engineering development through solver.
coding.
Uses statistical methods to collect Statisticians should have At most South African universities, Lecturer in statistics,
and analyse data to help solve strong analytical and students will start with a BSc course statistician in the
real-world problems in business, mathematical skills to enable which includes linear algebra, banking and insurance
engineering, healthcare and other them to understand problems, calculus, experimental design, industry and actuary
fields. They decide what data are identify possible solutions and survey methodology, probability and
STATISTICIAN
needed to answer specific questions gather the tools (materials and the theory of statistical inference.
or problems, determine methods methods) required to get to Students then specialise in statistics
for finding or collecting, as well as those solutions. when doing their Honours, Master’s
analysing and interpreting the data. and PhDs.
Researches the molecular structure This career requires At most South African universities, Molecular biologist,
STRUCTURAL BIOLOGIST
of biological macromolecules, inquisitiveness and dedication. students will start with a BSc degree biologist and
especially proteins and nucleic acids, Moreover, you have to be and then specialise when doing biochemist
how they acquire the structures nimble with your hands as their Honours, Master’s and PhDs
they have and how alterations in high-throughput micro-arraying in various different fields to equip
their structures affect their function. is somewhat of an art. them to work as structural biologists.
Structural biology is a branch of Many of these courses are offered by
molecular biology, biochemistry and departments of biochemistry.
biophysics.
CAREER DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS WHERE TO STUDY RELATED CAREERS
Studies the movement of people and For this career, a strong Transport studies can be done Public sector analyst,
goods over space and time and how background in statistics and at local universities such as the policy analyst, public
scarce resources are expedited and econometrics is required. You University of Johannesburg, Cape transport specialist,
allocated in the transport sector to should have an analytical Town, Stellenbosch, North-West and fleet controller,
TRANSPORT ECONOMIST
positively impact transport activities mind. the University of South Africa. transport regulator,
on society, the environment and the transport policy
economy. specialist, business
logistics practitioner,
as well as careers in
the aviation, roads,
maritime, pipeline and
rail sectors.
Guides the development of An urban and regional Accredited undergraduate or Urban designer,
neighbourhoods, towns, and regions planner needs to be able to postgraduate qualifications are public policy analyst,
by applying conceptual, analytical, grasp spatial inter-relations available at a range of universities environmental scientist,
communication and technological and implications of major throughout the country. These will civil engineer and
URBAN AND REGIONAL
skills to achieve spatial outcomes development challenges, qualify one for a professional property developer
such as more equitable, sustainable as well as the wide range registration with the South African
and productive cities or thriving rural of economic, engineering, Council for Planners.
regions. social, legal and procedural,
land development and
PLANNER
environmental aspects at play
within an area.
Develops waste and pollution An inquisitive mind, an eye for Most South African universities Waste treatment
MANAGEMENT
reduction solutions through directed detail and a positive attitude offer degrees in environmental scientist, environmental
RESEARCHER
research to support government, are required. management. Once students develop researcher,
society and industry in decision- key areas of interest in this broad environmental
WASTE
making. field of study, they may opt to pursue economist
specialisation.
The CSIR offers a number of opportunities to help you on your journey towards achieving your career aspirations. These
opportunities are available for students who meet the requirements.
BURSARIES POSTGRADUATE BURSARIES INTERNSHIPS STUDENTSHIPS
(INTER-BURSARY SUPPORT
PROGRAMME)
• South African citizens • Full-time students at any • New graduates in • BSc Honours, BEng
• Unemployed students public university studying science, engineering Honours, MSc or MEng
WHO QUALIFIES
studying full-time towards towards Honours/BTech, 4th and technology fields graduates studying full-
BSc, BEng, BSc Honours or Year Engineering Masters, interested in gaining work time at tertiary education
B Tech, MSc and PhD and Doctoral degrees. experience institutions could qualify for
• Current Grade 12 intending • Thematic areas supported a CSIR studentship
to enrol full-time for the include ICT, Modelling
degree of choice at a South and digital sciences,
African public university Photonics, Microsystems,
with English (Level 5) and Biotechnology, Titanium,
Mathematics, Physical Aerospace and Composites
Science (Level 6)
Financial support Bursary support as follows: Financial support Financial support
• Registration fees Honours level = R60 000 • Monthly stipend • Monthly salary
• Tuition fees Masters level = R90 000 • In-house short courses • Registration and tuition fees
WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL
• Book allowance Doctoral level = R120 000 for an MSc or PhD degree
• Laptop allowance • Informal in-house training
Non-financial support
• Accommodation (short-courses)
• Mentorship
• Meal allowance • Opportunity to present your
• Working on projects
• Living allowance work on a national and
that contribute to the
international stage
improvement of the lives of
Non-financial support
South Africans
• Annual induction, vacation Non-financial support
work, visits at the university • Mentorship
and an annual social event • Working on projects
that contribute to the
improvement of the lives of
South Africans
How do I apply Opportunities are advertised throughout the year on www.csir.co.za in the vacancies section.
For more information, please email Khuliswa Jakuja on kjakuja@csir.co.za or +27 12 841 2665.
Contact details
For postgraduate bursary, please email to HCD-INTERBURSARY@csir.co.zaThe CSIR also offers scholarships and an additional bursary programme in partnership with the Department of Science
and Technology.
• Local scholarships
The CSIR, in partnership with seven South African universities, has a postgraduate scholarship programme
that provides students with funding to obtain Honours, Master’s or PhD qualifications in their chosen fields. The
programme is open to full-time students in the Faculty of Science or Engineering, carrying out research in priority
areas identified by the CSIR.
• International scholarship programme
The CSIR South Africa Cambridge Scholarship offers students an opportunity to pursue PhD studies at the
University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The initiative aims to provide the country’s emerging researchers
with international training and exposure in science, engineering and technology.
• DST-CSIR Inter-bursary support programme
The bursaries are restricted to qualifications that are aligned with the Department of Science and Technology’s
national priority research and development themes. See thematic areas indicated in the table above.
For more information on the above offerings, visit the careers section on: www.csir.co.zaYou can also read
