Senior Researcher / Engineer : Energy Systems (Energy Modelling)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute seeks a Senior Researcher / Engineer in Energy Systems based in Pretoria, Gauteng. The role involves managing energy modelling projects, guiding research direction, and interfacing with policymakers to promote sustainable energy solutions. Suitable candidates will have a master's degree in relevant fields, extensive experience in the energy sector, and a proven track record in project management. Proficiency in specialized modelling software is essential. The position offers the chance to influence energy strategy in South Africa.

Qualifications

• MSc in electrical/mechanical/industrial engineering, mathematics, or science.
• At least five years of experience in the energy sector, three in energy modelling.
• Experience translating technical results into policy insights.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects on energy modelling and related topics.
• Provide research direction on energy planning.
• Generate technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Energy modelling

Project management

Networking in energy sector

Policy insights translation

Research leadership

Education

Masters degree in relevant engineering or science

Tools

PLEXOS

Balmorel

OSEMOSYS

TIMES

Job description

Job title : Senior Researcher / Engineer : Energy Systems (Energy Modelling)

Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline : January 03, 2026

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About the job :

• The CSIR has a vacancy for Senior Researcher / Engineer in the Energy Centre within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the translation of CSIR energy‑related research into direct and tangible recommendations for South African policymakers at Government, Provincial and Municipal levels on how to achieve an optimal energy supply mix and configuration to ensure stable and sustainable supply and the growth of South African industry. This position is based in Pretoria.
• This position reports to Research Group Leader.

Key responsibilities :

• Manage projects, research and conduct investigations on energy modelling and related topics.
• Provide research direction to the Energy Centre on energy planning and energy modelling
• Participate in local panels or working groups on power systems topics.
• Work with a team of researchers / engineers in your own field and across other disciplines
• Generate technical reports, articles, conference papers and presentations aimed at energy modelling locally and internationally.
• Provide training on energy planning related topics to CSIR employees and externally.
• 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 and ensure adherence to schedule and budget.

Qualifications, skills and experience :

• Masters degree in electrical / mechanical / industrial engineering, mathematics, science or equivalent with at least five years working experience in the energy sector, of which three years should be in energy modelling
• Strong network in the public and private sectors as links to sustainable energy supply, with a track record of working with clients and obtaining contract R&D in the field.
• Familiarity with modelling approaches for energy planning and modelling and project management experience.
• Specialized Software Proficiency : Intermediate to advanced user level of competency in PLEXOS, Balmorel, OSEMOSYS, TIMES, or others (ability to build capacity expansion and unit commitment models from scratch, not just run existing ones).
• Strong project management skills required
• Policy and Strategy Acumen : Experience translating technical results into policy insights (e.g., contributing to the IRP / gas masterplan / municipal / enterprise level electricity masterplans).
• Research Leadership : Proven ability to formulate research questions, manage data collection projects, and lead technical task teams
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
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