19 Scientific Innovation jobs in South Africa

You desire impactful work.

You're
RGA ready
RGA is a purpose-driven organization working to solve today's challenges through innovation and collaboration. A Fortune 500 Company and listed among its
World's Most Admired Companies
, we're the only global reinsurance company to focus primarily on life- and health-related solutions. Join our multinational team of intelligent, motivated, and collaborative people, and help us make financial protection accessible to all.

A Brief Overview
Senior Underwriter with life underwriting experience and experience working on underwriting systems to assist with the development and rollout of new novel underwriting technology and digital solutions to ensure RGA remains at the forefront of the industry whilst maintaining long term profitability and steadfast risk management practices. The Research & Development Underwriter, is an influential position, impacting new business growth and, RGA's brand in product development, innovation, risk management and underwriting excellence.

What You Will Do

• Work closely with other team members in, Underwriting, Claims, Business Development and Regional teams to develop new digital underwriting opportunities and transform opportunities into concrete solutions. Ensure the implementation of these digital solutions will drive profitable and sustainable growth for RGA and its clients.
• Work closely with internal/external stakeholders and contribute to develop, test, pilot, launch and maintain new underwriting technology tools and digital solutions. Develop and test underwriting rules ensuring that they are aligned with RGA's underwriting philosophy and Global Underwriting Manual (GUM). Embed these tools into clients' operational processes.
• Work closely with various RGA experts within local, regional, and global teams to identify, discuss and obtain approval for new underwriting solutions.
• Participate in client meetings to present underwriting solutions, handle concerns, address queries, resolve challenges and negotiate optimal outcomes. Develop strong relationships with underwriting, medical and operations personnel at client companies.
• Pro-active engagement with clients; active marketing and driving RGA's digital solutions with partners (including providing underwriting technology tool training for client companies and internal teams).
• Conduct retrospective underwriting/claims reconstruction with objective and independent assessment of cases within prescribed turnaround times, collaborating with claims and underwriting colleagues both internally and with clients, while also supporting the team by working on any other activities/projects within the scope of the Underwriting technical team on a need basis.
• Quality Assurance - experience in underwriting quality assurance reviews (conducting, reporting and involvement in remediation procedures).
• Conducting research in order to review recommended changes made by the direct offices e.g. product specification revision, occupation underwriting guidelines, underwriting standards and guidelines, revision of matrix, new proposed definitions/wording, pre-existing and contractual exclusions, and income factors.
• Render efficient, professional and courteous service to internal and external clients and ensure specified timelines and quality of service are maintained.
• Travel as per the requirements of the business for client meetings, presentations, training, internal/external events or seminars or for other related activities.

Qualifications

• Grade 12/Matric with Computer Literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• 7+ Years case underwriting experience handling medical and other living benefit products in a direct office environment.
• 3+ Years experience working on underwriting systems, developing rules, system testing in a direct office/reinsurance office.
• 2+ Years proven use of AI in the underwriting process with experience in marketing digital underwriting solutions
• Underwriting/Financial courses/certifications obtained with direct offices or reinsurers/senior level.
• Presentation skills certification/courses attended or equivalent thereof.
• Creative, agile and open minded with a flair to take up challenges and deliver solutions within agreed timelines.
• Strong presentation skills – ability to develop and deliver engaging presentations.
• Good knowledge of life insurance processes.
• Possession of a medical qualification.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to build professional relationships with various stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

What you can expect from RGA

• Gain valuable knowledge from and experience with diverse, caring colleagues around the world.
• Enjoy a respectful, welcoming environment that fosters individuality and encourages pioneering thought.
• Join the bright and creative minds of RGA, and experience vast, endless career potential.

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

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.

Job Purpose

To support the Research & Development (R&D) team in the design, testing, and evaluation of new products, processes, and improvements. The intern will gain exposure to practical research methods, product development cycles, and innovation practices, while contributing to ongoing projects that align with the company's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Core Functions:

• Assist in the research, design, and development of new products, packaging, or processes.
• Support product testing, data collection, and analysis to ensure quality and compliance.
• Conduct literature reviews and market research to identify trends, materials, and opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation of findings.

Daily Activities:

• Collect, organise, and analyse experimental data.
• Assist with laboratory work, pilot trials, and product testing.
• Document progress and maintain accurate research records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Quality, Production, and Marketing.
• Support administrative tasks within the R&D department.

Periodic Duties:

• Contribute to project reviews and presentations.
• Participate in innovation workshops and brainstorming sessions.
• Assist with regulatory or compliance submissions as required.
• Provide feedback on processes and suggest improvements.

Behaviours required:

• Curiosity and a passion for innovation.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Willingness to learn and adapt quickly.
• Team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Professional conduct, reliability, and accountability

Skills & Competence Required

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Ability to use MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) effectively.
• Basic knowledge of research methods, data collection, and analysis.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Creativity and innovative thinking.

Qualification and/or Experience Required

• Recently completed a degree/diploma in Food Science, Animal science, Consumer science or related field.
• Prior R&D experience
• Knowledge of product development, testing methodologies, or quality standards is beneficial.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Minimum Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree in Science, Business Management, Engineering or any relevant field
• Post graduate Degree in Science, Business Management, Engineering or any relevant field
• Leadership Development qualification is advantageous

Minimum Years Of Experience

• Seasoned professional is required with a minimum of 8 years of experience in conducting and managing research, development and innovation in a technological environment, preferably air traffic services/ air traffic management, of which at least 5 years must be at a managerial level
• Has done research and published – Advantageous