What Jobs are available for Research And Development in South Africa?

Minimum 2-5 years of Penetration Testing experience required

- Including conducting different types of assessments, such as network, mobile, web, thick, wireless, social engineering, physical, etc.

The duties for this role are divided into three areas of responsibility, namely Penetration Testing, Red Teaming and Research and Development.

Penetration Testing Duties :

Work as part of a vulnerability assessment and /or penetration testing team, taking direction from line managers and executing directives in a thorough and timely fashion

Conduct vulnerability assessments on a wide variety of technologies and implementations utilising both automated tools and manual techniques

Conduct network penetration tests

Conduct application penetration tests (web and thick client)

Conduct wireless and mobile security assessments

Conduct social engineering assessments

Conduct physical security assessments

Effectively communicate successes and obstacles with fellow team members and line managers

Interface with client contact(s) and staff in a constructive and professional manner

Develop subject matter expertise in topics to include: network, database, wireless and application security assessments and adversarial network operations

Utilise common vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tools

Red Teaming Duties :

Working as part of a Red Team and assisting with the following duties (but not limited to):

Initial reconnaissance open-source intelligence (OSINT) for collecting information on the targets

Initial compromise gaining a foothold into the target environment through targeting weaknesses in people, process and / or technology.

Deploy command-and-control servers (C&C or C2) and custom payloads to establish communication / persistence in the targets network.

Develop tools, techniques and procedures to evade detection by blue team (including the development of custom payloads)

Escalate privileges and maintain persistence

Exfiltrate and / or complete objectives

Research and Development Duties :

Research new vulnerabilities with a focus on high-profile products

Understand the terminology and tactics employed by threat actors

- Research new attack methods

Job Purpose

As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in supporting bioanalytical projects by performing routine analyses, maintaining laboratory instruments, and ensuring full compliance with GLP, GCP, GMP, and SOP standards. You'll contribute to high-quality data generation, prepare project documentation, and manage consumables to keep studies running smoothly. Acting as a study-specific analyst, you'll support method documentation, write and review SOPs, and provide training where needed. This role offers the opportunity to work in a regulated environment, grow technical expertise, and make a meaningful impact on advancing healthcare research.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Perform bioanalytical methods in line with GLP, GCP, GMP, and SOPs.
• Perform routine analyses and document all work according to GxP and SOP standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments & environment as per SOPs.
• Prepare project-related documentation, including lab manuals and reports.
• Write and review SOPs and support method documentation.
• Manage consumables, monitor stock levels, and maintain LIMS records.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Act as Study specific analyst on assigned projects.
• Training of personnel within area of responsibility when needed.
• Record tasks and time accurately in time logging application.
• Observe appropriate regulatory guidelines, SOPs, policies and study documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• A minimum level of an Honours degree in a scientific field (BSc Hons or BTech) or at least 1-2 years of company experience is required.
• Accurate record-keeping and documentation skills in English.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of GLP and familiarity with GCP, GMP, and bioanalytical methods.
• Understanding of laboratory SOPs, workflows, and computerized systems.
• Hands-on experience with standard lab techniques and equipment.
• Able to work independently and persistently, with strong teamwork capability

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.

The Research Associate will support AfriClimate AI's applied research portfolio by contributing to the development, fine-tuning, and validation of AI-driven climate and weather modelling tools. Working closely with the research team, the successful candidate will play a hands-on role in data preparation, model development and evaluation, ensuring that research outputs are robust, open and relevant for African contexts.

Research & Development

• Assist in designing, implementing, and testing AI-based climate and weather forecasting methodologies.
• Preprocess and manage large geospatial datasets (e.g., observational data, satellite products, reanalysis datasets).
• Support the development of benchmarking frameworks for model evaluation, including skill scores, bias correction and uncertainty quantification.
• Contribute to the setup and maintenance of MLOps pipelines for training, deployment and monitoring of AI models.
• Collaborate with team members on documentation, and reproducibility of workflows.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Work with meteorological agencies, universities and international partners on joint research tasks.
• Contribute to open-source datasets, code repositories and technical documentation.
• Support the preparation of research outputs, including peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and policy briefs.
• Present results in internal and external meetings (workshops and conferences).

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Climate Science, Meteorology, Machine Learning or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience working with geospatial and gridded datasets (e.g., ERA5, CHIRPS, CMIP, satellite-based products).
• Knowledge of machine learning methods applied to climate or weather problems.
• Familiarity with standard model evaluation metrics and statistical analysis.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in distributed teams.
• Ability to communication technical work clearly.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous research experience on African climate datasets  and/or data-sparse contexts.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Exposure to MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow, Docker, Kubernetes, Airflow).
• Familiarity with cloud computing (AWS, GCP, Azure) or HPC workflows.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, downscaling, or data assimilation.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects or collaborative codebases.

AfriClimate AI is a grassroots research organisation advancing climate resilience in Africa through open, community-driven AI research. We focus on developing region-specific datasets, tools, and methodologies to bridge the gap between global models and local needs, supporting equitable and actionable climate solutions across the continent.

• Mission-driven impact: Contribute to climate resilience and equity across Africa through open, locally grounded research.
• Flexible, remote-first work: Collaborate with an international network while working from anywhere in Africa.
• Open science ethos: Work in a fully open-source, community-driven environment that values transparency, reproducibility, and shared ownership.
• Professional growth: Access mentorship, attend leading conferences, and shape the future of climate AI research in the Global South.
• Collaborative culture: Join a multidisciplinary, values-aligned team working at the intersection of science, technology, and social impact.
• Travel opportunities: Participate in key events, workshops, and field collaborations across Africa and beyond.
• Competitive compensation: Receive a salary package that reflects your expertise, with flexibility for different levels of experience and location.

ResearchULL (Pty) Ltd – Research & Development Internship Opportunity

Are you passionate about research, innovation, and solving real-world challenges through knowledge?

Do you want to gain hands-on experience that bridges academia, industry, and society?

ResearchULL (Pty) Ltd invites applications for a Research and Development Intern to join our dynamic team in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Company Description

ResearchULL (Pty) Ltd
is a premier research and research skill development service provider, dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, industry, and society. The company offers personalised research support to postgraduate students in higher education while also providing strategic and applied research solutions to address organisational, industrial, and societal challenges.

Our mission is to help individuals maximise their research potential and empower industry professionals to make data-driven decisions that drive innovation, performance, and sustainability.

ResearchULL supports both academic and applied research pathways. Beyond supporting postgraduate research, the company partners with industries and institutions to design, implement, and evaluate research projects that inform policy development, operational improvement, and innovation strategies.

With a multidisciplinary team of experts, ResearchULL continues to reimagine how research can be used as a tool for societal impact and industrial transformation across Africa.

If you are looking to grow in an environment that values
impact, curiosity, and collaboration
, this internship is for you.

Role Description

As a
Research and Development Intern
, you will:

·   Support ongoing R&D projects through research design, data collection, and analysis.

·   Conduct research and contribute to project documentation.

·   Participate in innovation and brainstorming sessions with our research team.

·   Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and concept notes.

·   Work across multidisciplinary projects that link research to real-world impact.

Location:
Pretoria, Gauteng

Type:
Full-time internship

Qualifications

• Final-year student or recent graduate (Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, or Master's level).
• Background in Engineering, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or Information Systems.
• Basic understanding of research design, data analysis, and reporting.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• A genuine passion for learning, innovation, and societal impact.

Development Benefits

This internship is designed as a skills acceleration and research exposure opportunity for emerging researchers who aspire to build meaningful experience in both academic and applied research contexts.

• Interns benefit from:
• Direct mentorship from experienced researchers and professionals.
• Hands-on exposure to live academic and industrial projects.
• Training in professional research tools and methods (SPSS, NVivo, , Excel).
• Certificate of completion and recommendation for top performers.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who value growth, learning, and impact over immediate remuneration — and who are ready to invest in their professional research journey.

How to Apply

• If you are ready to start your journey in professional research and innovation, send your CV and a short motivation letter to with the subject line: Application – Research & Development Intern (Pretoria)

Application Deadline:
10 November 2025

Join us — and be part of a movement that turns research into impact
.

Vacancy: Research and Development Manager

Location: Florida, Roodepoort

The Research and Development (R&D) Manager position is vacant at the Training Centre in Florida. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and continuous improvement of training materials, programmes, and curriculum aligned with industry standards and accreditation requirements. This role plays a critical function in ensuring the quality, relevance, and innovation of the Training Department's learning offerings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12/Matric certificate (minimum); a relevant Degree or Diploma in Education, Training Development, or a related field is highly advantageous.
• Proven experience in research, curriculum development, or instructional design within a training or educational environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Valid driver's license with reliable transport is an advantage.
• Clear criminal record with no pending cases.
• Reside within the West Rand area preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, review, and updating of training materials and programmes to ensure alignment with unit standards, SETA/QCTO accreditation requirements, and industry best practices.
• Conduct research on emerging trends, regulations, and technologies relevant to the training programmes and integrate findings into curriculum improvements.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Skills Development teams to maintain compliance and support accreditation processes.
• Manage the development and contextualisation of new learning content for Skills Programmes and Learnerships.
• Facilitate pilot testing and validation of training materials with stakeholders to ensure quality and relevance.
• Provide ongoing support and training to facilitators and assessors on new or updated learning materials.
• Maintain accurate documentation of curriculum changes, research findings, and development projects.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of training programmes and recommend improvements.
• Uphold organisational policies and standards in all research and development activities.

Other Attributes:

• Honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, innovative, and proactive in problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple projects.

We are looking for a dedicated individual who is motivated to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about cost analysis in the security industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

We reserve the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position.

Whilst preference is given to existing employees at all times and the choice made purely on merit, Historically Disadvantaged Candidates, Disabled Candidates and Black Female Candidates are encouraged and supported in the FSG team.

Fidelity Security Group (Pty) Ltd supports global fair practice and business ethics on continuous development of our human capital as the key resource to our success in the markets in which we participate.

Role Purpose
To deliver high-quality research through the planning and execution of broiler and breeder trials, to ensure bird performance optimisation aligned with our strategic objectives.

Role Contribution To Organisational Strategy
Aligned with Astral's best cost and operational excellence, the R&D Manager optimises broiler production through trial management and protocol adherence, supporting sustainability and growth strategies.

Role Responsibilities

• Design and implementation of trial protocols.
• Conduct broiler trails accurately according to protocol.
• Accurate trial feed formulations.
• Innovate and optimise broiler trial methodologies.
• Implement waste reduction in trial processes.
• Drive adoption of technology in trials.
• Lead broiler production unit management initiatives.
• Foster supplier development for trial facilities.
• Ensure compliance with bio-security and health management.
• Precise data collection and analysis.

Qualifications
Role Requirements:

• Minimum qualification: MSc in Agric Animal Science or in progress of obtaining the qualification.
• Advantage: Diploma in Data Analytics.

Experience

• Total of 2 years minimum work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience working in Agriculture & FMCG environment.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in trial feed formulation.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in conducting scientific broiler trials and the interpretation of results.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in managing a broiler production units.

Skills And Knowledge

• Poultry health and bio-security protocols.
• Feed formulation and techniques.
• Poultry management.
• Broiler performance testing.
• Research methodology.
• Data analysis.

Role purpose:

To deliver high-quality research through the planning and execution of broiler and breeder trials, to ensure bird performance optimisation aligned with our strategic objectives.

Role contribution to organisational strategy:

Aligned with Astral's best cost and operational excellence, the R&D Manager optimises broiler production through trial management and protocol adherence, supporting sustainability and growth strategies.

Role Responsibilities:

• Design and implementation of trial protocols.
• Conduct broiler trails accurately according to protocol.
• Accurate trial feed formulations.
• Innovate and optimise broiler trial methodologies.
• Implement waste reduction in trial processes.
• Drive adoption of technology in trials.
• Lead broiler production unit management initiatives.
• Foster supplier development for trial facilities.
• Ensure compliance with bio-security and health management.
• Precise data collection and analysis.

Role Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Minimum qualification: MSc in Agric Animal Science or in progress of obtaining the qualification.
• Advantage: Diploma in Data Analytics.

Experience:

• Total of 2 years minimum work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience working in Agriculture & FMCG environment.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in trial feed formulation.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in conducting scientific broiler trials and the interpretation of results.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in managing a broiler production units.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Poultry health and bio-security protocols.
• Feed formulation and techniques.
• Poultry management.
• Broiler performance testing.
• Research methodology.
• Data analysis.

Johannesburg

Lanseria

Published Date: 29 September 2025

Closing Date: 13 October 2025

Our client in the Agricultural Industry in Springs, has an opportunity for a Research and Development Manager to join their team. The successful candidate will lead and oversee the development of innovative plant nutrition products that meet market needs. This role drives scientific discovery, product improvement and process optimization by coordinating cross-functional research efforts, collaborating with internal teams and external partners. The R&D Manager ensures that the company remains at the forefront of plant nutrition technology.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of new Plant Nutrition products.
• Evaluate opportunities that will enhance the effectiveness of Plant Nutrition by improving crop performance.
• Perform project and product feasibility studies.
• Define and implement a R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and market trends in order to define short and long term projects.
• Apply scientific methods to support research findings.
• Design trial protocols, oversee the management of the research projects, analyse data and write reports within the required timelines.
• Maintain good documentation practices for protocols and reports, develop SOP's.
• Support product registration process.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during production phases.
• Hands-on involvement with experiments in the laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.
• Manage the routine activities in the laboratory.
• Foster a culture of innovation, safety and continuous learning and collaboration within the R&D department.
• Improve the knowledge of biotechnology within the agronomic team.
• Lead and mentor junior members of the team.
• Allocate resources, manage R&D budgets, and track project timelines.
• Bring world class trends to the business

Desired Experience & Qualification

Master's Degree in a field of Biotechnology (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Plant Physiology) or Traditional Agronomy

A minimum of 10 years' experience in the Agriculture Industry

5+ years of experience leading teams

Fluent in Afrikaans/English.