Senior Researcher/Engineer: Energy Systems

Senior Researcher/Engineer: Energy Systems (Energy Modelling) Join to apply for the Senior Researcher/Engineer: Energy Systems (Energy Modelling) role at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Researcher/Engineer in the Energy Centre within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will support the translation of CSIR energy‑related research into direct and tangible recommendations for South African policymakers at government, provincial and municipal levels, helping to achieve an optimal energy supply mix and configuration that ensures stable and sustainable supply and supports South African industry growth. This position is based in Pretoria. This position reports to the Research Group Leader. For more information about the Smart Places cluster, please visit CSIR Smart Places . Key Responsibilities Manage projects, conduct research, and investigate energy modelling and related topics. Provide research direction to the Energy Centre on energy planning and modelling. Participate in local panels or working groups on power systems topics. Work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers. Generate technical reports, articles, conference papers and presentations for both local and international audiences. Provide training on energy planning topics to CSIR employees and external stakeholders. Formulate research proposals to attract contract research income from public and private clients. Develop relationships with potential collaborators and stakeholders for R&D in power systems topics. Compile technical reports for clients in the energy sector. Manage contract research and development, ensuring adherence to schedule and budget. Qualifications, Skills and Experience Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, industrial engineering, mathematics, science or equivalent, with at least five years of experience in the energy sector, of which three years should be in energy modelling. Strong network in the public and private sectors with a track record of securing contract R&D in the field. Familiarity with modelling approaches for energy planning and project management experience. Advanced user competency in PLEXOS, Balmorel, OSEMOSYS, TIMES or equivalent, including the ability to build models from scratch. Strong project management skills. Experience translating technical results into policy insights (e.g., contributing to IRPs, gas masterplans, municipal or enterprise-level electricity masterplans). Proven research leadership: ability to formulate research questions, manage data collection projects and lead technical teams. International qualifications require an evaluation report or certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The CSIR Offers Flexible hybrid work arrangement. Learning and development opportunities. Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages. Total guaranteed salary packages including contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme. Recognition and rewards through the CSIR Excellence Awards. PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on or email us at . The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will give preference to candidates from designated groups. By applying for this position, you understand that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services and may verify your educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and may refuse to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. Seniority Level Mid-Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industry Research Location Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa #J-18808-Ljbffr