Doctoral Studentship: Cybersecurity

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African research organization is seeking a Doctoral Studentship in Cybersecurity based in Pretoria. The role involves original research in cybersecurity, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, and preparing a Doctoral thesis. Candidates should have a Master's degree in a related field and a strong background in computer security. Flexible hybrid work arrangements and competitive compensation are offered.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Guaranteed salary packages with benefits

CSIR Excellence Awards

Qualifications

• Masters degree required for registration in Doctoral qualification.
• Strong background in information security and cybersecurity needed.
• Good peer-reviewed publication record is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare research proposal and literature overview.
• Conduct original research to solve identified problems.
• Produce peer-reviewed publications from Doctoral research.
• Compile and defend Doctoral thesis.
• Contribute to additional project activities as needed.

Skills

Strong background in computer systems

Knowledge of machine learning

Working knowledge of programming languages

Comfort with big data

Good communication skills

Education

Masters degree in computer engineering/computer science

Tools

Python

R

Java

C#

Linux

Job description

Overview

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Doctoral Studentship: Cybersecurity in the Information and Cybersecurity Centre, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will undertake original research and development in cybersecurity with the Data Security and Analytics, Governance, Privacy and Trust, Cybersecurity and/or Secure Identity Systems domains. This position is based in Pretoria.

For more information about the cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/defence-and-security

Research Areas

• Data security and analytics
• Data science in cybersecurity
• Secure digital identity systems
• AI security including agentic AI security and related
• Mobile security
• Development of home-grown cybersecurity solutions
• National cybersecurity capability development
• Governance, privacy, and trust
• Next-generation security operations centre
• Emerging cybersecurity topics such as zero-trust
• And other related topics

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
• Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
• Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) identified in the proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Doctoral research topic;
• Compile the Doctoral thesis and defend the work successfully; and
• Contribute to extra project activities that may be outside the scope of the doctoral research per the needs of the research group, up to 20% of total time.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Masters degree in computer engineering, computer science, information technology, information systems or a related/relevant field;
• Register for a Doctoral qualification within a South African university (to be agreed upon with the CSIR co-supervisor);
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report/certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
• Strong background in computer systems, information security, cybersecurity and/or secure identity systems;
• Knowledge of machine learning and/or artificial intelligence;
• Working knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, Java, C# and Linux (and others applicable);
• Comfort with big data and data analytics;
• Experience in software development for experimentation and computer simulation with a hands-on approach;
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact with diverse teams;
• A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.

Applicants Must Attach The Following Documents

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) describing research interests, problem statement, research objectives and expected outputs/outcomes/impact;
• Certified copies of latest academic results or transcript;
• Certified copies of tertiary qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• If applicable, proof of registration from the university or a confirmation letter from the supervisor willing to be involved in candidate supervision; and
• A recommendation letter would be advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages;
• Total guaranteed salary packages including pension, risk insurance and medical scheme;
• CSIR Excellence Awards recognizing contributions and accomplishments.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012841 4774 or email [e-mail]

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will, through filling this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups. By applying, the applicant understands that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered bureau and may verify educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the closing date and reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.