Vacant Position – Security Analyst

NRF-SARAO; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

SARAO is seeking a detail-oriented cyber security analyst to protect IT/OT infrastructure, including networks and industrial control systems, from cyber threats. The role involves real-time monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and collaboration on security strategies.

You will work within SARAO to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems and data, reporting on threats and supporting policy development. A permanent position based in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in IT/Systems or Computer Science/Systems is required.
• IT Security Certification (CompTIA Security+ or equivalent) is required.
• Minimum of 3 years in IT with Security Monitoring, Threat Management and Incident Response.
• Knowledge of protocols such as UDP, SNMP, SMTP, PGP, SFTP, SSH, IPSec, VPN, LDAP, HTTP, SSL/TLS, PKI and DNS; LAN/WAN/VLANs; OS (Windows/macOS/Linux).

Responsibilities

• Monitor IT/OT infrastructure to detect security events and threats.
• Analyze alarms, report on threats and intrusion attempts; resolve or escalate as needed.
• Support development of cybersecurity strategies and policies aligned with business needs.

Skills

Security Monitoring

Threat Management

Incident Response

DevSecOps

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/Systems or Computer Science

Diploma in IT/Systems

Job description

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 10 November 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africas activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

SARAO requires a detail-oriented cyber security analyst who will be responsible for protecting IT/OT infrastructure (including networks, hardware and software, Engineering & Industrial Control systems, Building Management Systems) from a range of cyber threats. You will monitor networks and systems, detect security threats ("events"), analyze and assess alarms, and report on threats, intrusion attempts and false alarms and malware, either resolving them or escalating them, depending on the severity.

SARAO requires a detailed-oriented security analyst who will be responsible for protecting IT/OT infrastructure and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and data. You will be responsible for monitoring, detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents in real-time. Furthermore, you will provide input and support in the development of cybersecurity strategies and policies in alignment with the business needs.

Key Requirements

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Information Technology/Systems or Computer Science/Systems, AND
• IT Security Certification (CompTIA Security+ or equivalent)

Experience

3 years in the field of Information Technology with Security Monitoring, Threat Management and Incident Response and experience with security operations

Knowledge

• Understanding of some of these protocols: UDP, SNMP, SMTP, PGP, SFTP, SSH, IPSec, VPN, LDAP, HTTP, SSL/TLS, PKI and DNS.
• Understanding of LAN, WAN, VLANs, VM, IP Tables and End-Point security.
• Understanding of operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux
• Trouble shooting techniques, helpdesk and end-user support.
• Understanding of DevOps & DevSecOps practices, logs monitoring & security events analysis.

Additional Notes

• Presentation and communication skills
• Self-driven and able to self-manage
• Ability to learn new technologies, solutions & keen interest in acquiring new skills.
• Ability to constructively interact with various stakeholders including Management, other Employees/Teams, Service Providers and Vendors.
• Analytic and Report writing
• Team player – willingness to help colleagues and provide organizational support, and to fit in with organizational culture and methodologies

Information

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only