CSIR In-service Traineeship


Advertiser: CSIR
Location: Pretoria

The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation, focused on the translation of applied technology for social and economic impact.

The CSIR: Defence, Peace, Safety and Security (DPSS) unit has 10 vacancies for In-service Trainees. The unit positions itself as the strategic science, engineering and technology (SET) partner of state departments and agencies in defence, peace, safety and security, as well as the aerospace-related industry. As such, it develops its people to operate as experts in SET disciplines and to have systems insight and application domain understanding. It contributes to the national need for skilled SET people through programmes with universities and leading laboratories.

The unit has a number of positions for outstanding undergraduate students in the following competency domains:
- Aeronautic systems;
- Command control and information warfare;
- Landwards sciences;
- Optronic sensor systems;
- Radar and electronic warfare; and
- Technology for Special Operations.

Key responsibilities:
- Design, plan and execute experiments under supervision.
- Assist in test set-ups.
- Maintain good housekeeping and safety practices in-depth analysis and objective interpretation of data under supervision.
- Contribute to writing reports and manuscripts.
- Contribute to presenting data in a poster format or orally.
- Perform operational responsibilities including, infrastructure, equipment, GLP and SHE.

Qualifications, skills and experience:
- The minimum education qualification will be the completion of at least two years’ theoretical component of a national diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in engineering & P1 with completed academic subjects.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of theory with the ability to apply knowledge.
- A strong work ethic (e.g. accountability and reliability) and the ability to work under supervision within a dynamic team environment.
- The following competencies are critical for this position:
       - Innovation;
       - Sound technical knowledge;
       - Integrity and lateral thinking ability; and
       - Knowledge and appreciation of a cross-disciplinary project team environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to contribute across the boundaries imposed by classical scientific disciplines.
- Strong interpersonal skills involving the ability to work effectively cross-functionally and cross-culturally.

The CSIR gives preference to candidates who meet the job requirements and who will add to the cultural and gender diversity of the organisation. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.

Closing date: 30 April 2014

Click here to apply
Definitions:

Internship:

There are basically two types of internships:

  • The Undergraduate Internship: Usually with bigger organisations that pick undergraduates to attend the internship. It often takes places during the holidays and the average durations is a few weeks. In most cases the intern will receive some sort of stipend or salary and this type of internship may lead to a job offer to the intern once he / she is finished with their studies.
  • The Graduate Internship: This type of internship could be paid or unpaid and it is to gain practical work experience after the qualification has been completed and in a job related to the qualification. It could be from a few weeks or even one or two years long. This type of internship could also lead to permanent employment.

Learnerships:

A learnership is an occupational qualification and it consists of theory and work-based experience and practical skills, with formal assessment and a qualification. At the end of the learnership the candidate may be offered permanent employment.

In-service training:

In-service training is to gain practical work experience during studies. It usually takes place after a few years of theory has been successfully completed. It is essential work experience that is part of the qualification and the in-service training is necessary to achieve the qualification. It could be paid or unpaid.