Senior Researcher/Engineer: Energy Systems (Energy Modelling) at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a 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 leadership in formulating research questions and developing study assumptions.
• 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:

• A Masters degree in electrical/mechanical/industrial engineering, mathematics, science or equivalent with at least six years working experience in the energy sector, of which three years should be in the energy modelling
• Proficiency in suitable energy modelling software tools applied in the energy sector.  These could include inter alia energy systems modelling using PLEXOS, OSEMOSYS, TIMES or others;
• Experience in the energy sector modelling;
• Strong network in the public and private sector 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.
• Experience in scenario definitions/planning.
• Familiarity with the South African and Southern African power system would be advantageous
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).