Senior Researcher : Hydrologist

findojobs-za; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organisation is seeking a Senior Researcher: Hydrologist to conduct research in surface water modelling and hydrological assessments. This role, based in Stellenbosch, offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement and requires a Master's degree with significant experience in hydrological modelling. The successful candidate will lead research projects and interact with stakeholders to enhance water resource management.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Opportunities for professional recognition

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in hydrological modelling related to surface-water modelling.
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team and mentor professionals.
• Proven track record in leading surface water modelling research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in hydrological assessments and modelling.
• Manage and implement research projects for water resources.
• Secure water resources management projects and lead research initiatives.

Skills

Hydrological modelling

Project management

Communication skills

Conflict management

Business development

Education

Masters degree or equivalent in Environmental Science or related

Registration as a Professional Engineer or SACNASP registration

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 organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

About the Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Researcher: Hydrologist (Surface Water Modelling) in the Water Research Centre, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will conduct research in the hydrological field as it relates to surface‑water modelling, and understanding of hydrological impacts through hydrological assessments and modelling, including water resources assessment and planning, development and management, flood prediction and design, coupled systems modelling and smart water use. The position is based in Pretoria / Stellenbosch.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy for the Water Research Centre.
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines to support Water Resource Management.
• Promote a culture of industrialization of research outcomes.
• Interact with stakeholders (clients, peers, etc.) within fields of expertise to develop long‑term relationships both within and outside the CSIR.
• Conduct project management through robust, integrated planning.
• Raise personal, team and institutional profiles through publishing original research and presenting work at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Write, review research proposals, research reports, client reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Conceptualise, structure, manage and implement research projects.
• Contribute to policy research in support of South Africa's national priorities.
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant‑funded projects.
• Secure water resources management projects and lead research projects.
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge into multi‑dimensional research and development programmes to deliver industry‑aligned RDI.
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in strategic stakeholder engagements.
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer.
• Ensure timely delivery of technically complex outcomes related to water resources assessment, catchment management plans, integrated water resources planning and management, master planning, hydrological assessment, water resources modelling, systems analysis, flood risk assessment, water demand analysis, hydraulics and spatial analysis.
• Lead hydrological modelling project activities for water resources planning, development and management, flood prediction and design, coupled systems modelling including water quality, hydro‑ecology and climate.
• Assess hydrological impact of future system responses such as climate and land‑management change.
• Undertake surface water yield measurement techniques and extrapolate information from available measurements to generate stream‑flow estimates and trends over long periods.
• Apply hydrological models to generate historical, current or natural stream‑flow records to establish future yields or scenario modelling.
• Forecast future seasonal streamflow to inform planning and management decisions on water resources availability and security of supply.
• Establish current water allocation amounts and usage patterns.
• Develop the hydrological model node and link network; calibrate and verify the model.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio to transfer water technology and solutions to industry, package technologies for commercialization, or develop an investment‑ready business through financial modelling, market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Masters degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or related natural science discipline associated with Water Resources Modelling or BSc Eng / BEng in a relevant civil engineering discipline complemented by a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) or SACNASP registration as a professional natural scientist or eligibility to register as a professional engineer / natural scientist immediately.
• At least five years' experience in hydrological modelling related to surface‑water modelling and hydrological impacts of land‑use changes through measurement.
• At least five years' experience in surface water (yield) measuring techniques.
• Applied knowledge and understanding of surface water resource modelling and systems optimisation.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary team of professionals, mentor and manage people, and strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• Proven track record in leading surface water modelling research projects.
• Ability to provide thought leadership and high‑level conceptualisation.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Business development and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Conflict management skills.
• Decisiveness and action orientation.
• Project management skills.
• Appropriate national and international RDI networks.
• Understanding of the research‑to‑market innovation value chain.
• Problem‑solving, solution‑seeking orientation.

What's in it for you?

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• Opportunities for professional recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards.

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

For more information, please email us at [contact email] (do not send applications to this mailbox – it is only for enquiries).

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act.

By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services, and may also verify the applicant's educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the closing date and further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.