7 Scientific Leader jobs in South Africa

Company Description

The Chirandu Group is a research-led enterprise advancing the science, provenance, and application of indigenous African knowledge. The Group unites research, formulation, and product innovation to develop verified systems of sensory and material intelligence that bridge culture and science. Through The Chirandu Institute and Chirandu Botanica, it conducts heritage documentation, sensory analysis, and formulation development to create credible, high-quality products rooted in African ecosystems.

We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development. 

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Chirandu Botanica is growing its research team We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development.

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Types: Part-time, Internship

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R6 500,00 - R8 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Education:

• Masters (Preferred)

Experience:

• research and/or academic writing: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, 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. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Scientist: Machine Learning and Statistical Modelling for Ocean-Climate Science in the

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 organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Research Scientist: Machine Learning and Statistical Modelling for Ocean-Climate Science
About The Job
The Southern Ocean CarbonClimate Observatory (SOCCO) at the CSIR has a vacancy for
Researc
h
Scientist
in large-scale ocean carbon cycle processes that can apply machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical modelling to advancing understanding of global CO? fluxes and their direct policy relevance, positioning the researcher at the forefront of international climate science. By linking Southern Ocean research to global carbon cycle assessments, the successful candidate will work within a dynamic, world-leading team and help shape future strategies for carbon monitoring and management. This position is based in Cape Town.

Key Rsponsibilities

• Lead the development, refinement, and application of machine learning frameworks to improve surface ocean CO? flux estimates, building on SOCCOs flagship ML-based CO? flux product (CSIR-ML6).
• Lead RD and innovation in the development of emerging AI technologies and techniques and application in the field of ocean-climate research
• Evaluate the performance of Earth System Models (CMIP6/7) against the ML-based observational CO? flux product, focusing on:mean-state climatologies,spatial, temporal, and seasonal variability, andlong-term trends.
• Diagnose discrepancies between ocean-climate models and reconstruction products using Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and advanced statistical approaches.
• Conduct high-resolution OSSEs to optimize Southern Ocean CO? observing strategies and reduce uncertainty in sink estimates.
• Supervise, train, and mentor postgraduate researchers, contributing to the growth of capacity in AI-driven climate science and advancing its integration into ocean-climate modelling
• Actively contribute to international science-policy processes such as the Global Carbon Budget and State of the Climate reports.
• Contribute actively to the development of competitive research proposals to secure external funding for long term sustainability of research activities.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Doctoral degree in Earth System Science, Oceanography, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; with atleast five years proven expertise in machine learning, AI, and high-performance scientific computing;
• At least five years experience applying supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods (e.g., neural networks, gradient boosting, clustering) to environmental or geophysical datasets, including development of approaches to improve predictive skill and model performance;
• Demonstrated ability to work with large, sparse, and heterogeneous datasets, including gap-filling, noise reduction, spatiotemporal post-processing, and integration of observational and model outputs;
• Ability to translate machine learning outputs into climate and environmental science applications;
• Demonstrated track record of international collaboration and publications in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• Excellent communication skills, including capacity-building and postgraduate supervision.

Whats in it for you?
The CSIR Offers

• 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.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please email us at Please
do-not
send your applications to this mailbox, it is only for enquiries.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of 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 registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicants educational qualification and employment history.
The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. **

Brookhaven National Laboratory ) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country. Our organization fully supports service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life and pledge's our commitment to actively hire veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Military personnel who have been formally trained or have relevant experience obtained while in service may meet educational requirements and are encouraged to apply for job opportunities at BSA.

Organizational Overview

The Environmental & Climate Sciences Department (ECSD) ) at Brookhaven National Laboratory focuses on a wide range of theoretical, experimental, and field studies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's climate and energy research agendas. Work is supported by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) User Facility ), an observations-based program that measures aerosols, clouds, precipitation, radiation, and atmospheric dynamics; the Atmospheric Systems Research Program ), and the Environmental System Science Program ). This work is pursued with the ultimate goal of improving predictability and reducing the uncertainty in global and regional climate models. The department research portfolio also includes development of environmental technologies and applications for renewable energies, urban science, and national security.

The Aerosol Chemistry & Microphysics Group ) within ECSD is focused on improving process-level understanding of aerosol formation and evolution mechanisms, aerosol absorption, and the direct and indirect influences that aerosols have on clouds, precipitation and climate. Understanding the physics, chemistry and dynamics of interactions along this aerosol-cloud-precipitation continuum is crucial for development of a predictive understanding of the climate system.

Position Description

The Aerosol Chemistry & Microphysics Group seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer dynamics that control the spatial distribution and timing of new particle formation (NPF) – the formation of new aerosol from gas-phase precursors. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in aerosol instrument development, observational field deployments, and the synthesis of observational data sets of atmospheric boundary layer dynamics and aerosol properties. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

NPF is an important environmental nano-scale process, with field measurements and modeling studies indicating that freshly formed particles can contribute significantly to the global population of aerosol and cloud condensation nuclei. While there have been an increasing number of NPF measurements from surface-based platforms, there have been very few measurements of vertically-resolved NPF from aerial platforms. Vertically-resolved atmospheric NPF measurements are needed because aerosol formation in the upper troposphere may be a significant source of cloud condensation nuclei. Furthermore, these vertically-resolved measurements are needed to connect the atmospheric conditions that drive atmospheric NPF with large-scale boundary layer transport processes and meteorology. In this project, we will be utilizing observations of boundary layer dynamics and vertically-resolved nanoparticle concentrations ) to understand how local micrometeorology and boundary layer dynamics control the evolution and distribution of boundary layer aerosol properties and processes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Analyze co-located observations of atmospheric dynamics and spatially-distributed aerosol Determine the atmospheric controls on aerosol spatial and temporal dynamics Publish in peer-reviewed journals Present at national and international meetings

Position Requirements

Required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ph.D. in aerosol science, atmospheric science, meteorology, engineering, or a closely related field Experience with using remotely sensed observations of atmospheric boundary layer aerosol, dynamics, and meteorology Clear and concise verbal and written communication and collaboration skills Ability to develop and pursue independent research ideas Ability to work well in a diverse team across cultures and experiences

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Experience with using in-situ observations of newly formed aerosol A record of publication in high quality, internationally recognized journals

Other
BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life-changing events. Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The initial term appointment will be one year, subject to renewal contingent on funding and performance. Research will be under the direction of Dr. Chongai Kuang.

Benefits
At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans Flexible Spending Accounts Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave) 401(k) Plan Flexible Work Arrangements Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation: Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis) Brookhaven Science Associates requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Proof of full vaccination as recognized by the CDC and/or WHO, inclusive of the two-week waiting period, is required at the start of your employment.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab.We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.Please contact us to request accommodation.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Strategy and Development

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practices processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance and timeous availability of product to market.
• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects.

Operational activities:

• Coordinate the compilation of artwork packs in line with internal procedures and legal requirements
• Implement PPM codes, barcodes and CCP's (initiated by Regulatory Department), where necessary in line with departmental policies and procedures
• Liaise with Supply, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing and Design department to ensure operational and legal requirements are met
• Liaise with external stakeholders and suppliers, including printers and packers, to ensure artwork projects are delivered on time
• Proactively plan implementation and availability of printer proofs at supplier/printers
• Assist with the implementation and coordination of departmental operational activities to ensure timeous launch of new and existing brands
• Monitor non-conformances and provide a progress report timeously to Associate Director: Compliance & Pharmacovigilance
• Review artwork components in line with legal requirements and business needs as per agreed timelines
• Coordinate and manage the alignment of artwork and safety updates for the export market.
• Conduct thorough research into all the relevant ingredients of mostly all complementary products and add the information in the relevant folder
• Drive the implementation for safety information for the South African and Export markets of the complementary products
• Assist in managing technical complaints and answer patient queries
• Assist with the approval of advertising and promotional material of complementary products
• Assist in managing and maintaining safety of all products in line with SAHPRA guidelines.

Good Manufacturing practice (GMP)

• Maintain all GMP principles in line with departmental quality system and SAHPRA requirements.
• Maintain Marketing Code principles.

Documentation & Systems Management

Documentation

• Manages adherence to SOP's and departmental deadlines.

Systems
- Ensure ongoing compliance with SAHPRA requirements.

• BSc degree

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, 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. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Research Group Leader: Natural Language Processing (NLP) in the

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 organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Research Group Leader: Natural Language Processing (NLP)
About The Job
The CSIR has a vacancy for
Research Group Leader: Natural Language Processing
in the Networked Systems Applications (NSA) Impact Area within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the provision of strategic and technical leadership to a research group, including people management, business development, financial sustainability and operations management. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the Impact Area Manager.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategic investment goal setting and development of RDI strategy;
• Implement the research, development and innovation (RDI) strategy for the group;
• Lead researchers and engineers;
• Promote a culture of science, engineering and technology (SET) excellence and provide RDI leadership of multiple disciplines relating to natural language processing and human language technology development, including automatic speech recognition, text-to-speech systems, and voice interface design;
• Ensure that the area remains industry and/or service delivery relevant with national and international standing that is directed at cutting edge;
• Propose and/or contribute to the strategic investment plan and implement Parliamentary Grant, Contract Research and Development and other grant-funded projects;
• Develop and implement a business plan for operation, sustainable growth, impact and robustness of area (including strategy, goals, mission, HR, finances, technology transfer, IP and commercialisation);
• Assume leadership in the provision of technical solutions to client programmes;
• Deeply understand the needs of the industry by integrating sector knowledge in multi-dimensional research and development programmes to deliver industry-aligned RDI;
• Ensure staff development and strategic Human Capital Development;
• Ensure a well-balanced cutting edge SET capability, in terms of the elements of research, engineering design, or systems/enterprise engineering;
• Ensure SET outputs are achieved;
• Deliver on all KPIs of the area and ensure that all outputs are achieved, including transformation, profit and loss, quality, health, safety and environment as per agreed targets;
• Implement and comply with appropriate financial, business systems requirements, including operational approvals;
• Network with peers in the field, within and outside the CSIR;
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long-term relationships;
• Provide technical support on business development and participate in client interactions;
• Manage projects through planning of appropriate processes and policies to ensure Intellectual Property (IP) protection and technology transfer;

• In collaboration with the Business Development and Commercialisation portfolio:

• Drive the transfer of technology and solutions design to industry/user environment;

• Package technologies for commercialisation or develop an investment ready business through financial modelling market assessment and business plan development.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A Masters degree in a field related to natural language processing and/or human language technology, such as computer science, computer engineering, electronic engineering, computational linguistics, informatics, linguistics with at least seven years experience in natural language processing and/or human language technology research and/or development within an RDI environment;
• Recognised expertise as a specialist in the field of natural language processing and human language technology research and/or development;
• Sound experience in managing a team of multi-disciplinary professionals;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• 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;
• An understanding of the research to market innovation value chain.

Whats in it for you?
The CSIR Offers

• 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.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on

or email us at

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of 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 registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicants educational qualification and employment history.
The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. **