Master's Studentship : Radar

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 100 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Pretoria is offering a Master's Studentship in Radar. The position entails undertaking original research in advanced Radar image processing and signal processing, artificial intelligence in Radar, among other topics. Candidates should have an Honours degree in relevant fields, a strong background in electronic engineering, and programming capabilities. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to enhance their academic and practical research skills within a renowned research environment.

Qualifications

• Must register for a Master's qualification at a South African University.
• Experience in software/hardware development beneficial.
• Good understanding of scientific method required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by the CSIR and university.
• Perform research to solve open research problems.
• Produce peer-reviewed publications based on the Master's topic.

Skills

Background in electronic engineering

Signal processing knowledge

Programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python)

Experience in machine learning

Education

Honours degree in electronic/computer engineering

Tools

Matlab

Python

C++

Linux

Job description

Job title: Master's Studentship : Radar

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: December 25, 2025

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About the job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Master's Studentship : Radar in the Radar and Electronic Warfare Impact Area, within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for undertaking original research and development in the field of Radar focussing on the topics that include advanced Radar image and signal processing, modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence in Radar, Radar system and application RD&I. This position is based in Pretoria.

Research Areas

• Advanced Radar Imaging (e.g. bi-static / multi-static imaging, drone / UAV based radar imaging, improved information extraction, multi-band imaging)
• Radar Signal Processing (including application of AI / Machine Learning to Radar signal processing)
• Object Classification using Radar
• Radar Cross Section Modelling
• Radar based Remote Sensing Applications in the Defence and Security Domain
• Radar System Improvements (e.g. adaptive beamforming, multi-input multi-output, waveform design)
• Security and Defence Applications (e.g. spaceborne, border surveillance, asset protection)

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
• Write a literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to your research topic;
• Perform research to solve the open research problem(s) as identified in your proposal;
• Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Master's research topic;
• Compile a high-quality Masters dissertation;
• Successful completion of your Master's; and
• Contribute to extra project / student activities that may be outside the scope of the Master's research as per the needs of the CSIR Research Group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time. (e.g. working on an aspect of a CSIR Radar project, involvement in CSIR student pipeline / outreach projects).

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• An Honours degree in electronic / computer engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or related fields;
• Register for a Master's qualification at 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);
• Must have a strong background in electronic engineering, signal processing and / or image processing;
• Experience and knowledge of Radar, machine learning and / or artificial intelligence would be beneficial;
• Working knowledge of related programming languages such as Matlab, Python, R, Java, C#, C++, and the Linux operating system, and others applicable;
• Experience in software and / or hardware development for experimentation and / or computer simulation with a hands-on approach would be beneficial;
• Good understanding of the scientific method : design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results, and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills in English (verbal and written) is required;
• Ability to work efficiently with others in a diverse team is required.