Listing Reference: CSIR-SASSETA-314352-2025
Listing Status: Open
Company: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Industry: Science / Engineering / Technology / Research
Job Category: Internship Programme
Location: Scientia, Pretoria, South Africa (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (Two Years)
Remuneration: Stipend Provided (Market-Related)
EE Position: Yes
Closing Date: 17 June 2025
Introduction
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), invites qualified South African graduates to apply for its Internship Programme 2025. This opportunity is designed to address youth unemployment and skills development while strengthening South Africa’s science, engineering, and technology workforce.
The two-year internship provides selected graduates with real-world workplace exposure, enabling them to apply academic theory in practical settings while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals in the science, engineering, and technology (SET) fields.
Job Description
The CSIR/SASSETA Internship Programme aims to provide recent graduates with hands-on experience in highly specialized fields of study. Interns will be assigned meaningful projects and tasks that allow them to develop technical and professional skills essential for long-term career development.
Interns will participate in various work-integrated learning activities aligned to the CSIR’s national mandate to advance science and innovation for the benefit of South African society. Successful candidates will gain exposure to applied research, project development, innovation, and sector-specific technologies under the mentorship of CSIR experts.
Internship Duration: Two years
Internship Location: Scientia, Pretoria (with hybrid work opportunities)
The programme offers valuable skills development while contributing directly to national research projects and innovation initiatives.
Ideal Candidate
The CSIR/SASSETA Internship Programme seeks passionate, dedicated graduates who are eager to contribute to research excellence while growing professionally in their chosen fields.
Minimum eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Completed qualification in one of the following disciplines:
- National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering
- National Diploma or Degree in Electronic Engineering
- National Diploma or Degree in Mechatronic Engineering
- Ability to provide certified proof of qualification upon application
- Commitment to a full-time, two-year internship contract
This internship opportunity is ideal for graduates looking to bridge the gap between academic study and practical experience in scientific research and innovation environments.
Role Responsibility
Interns participating in the CSIR/SASSETA programme will be exposed to a variety of tasks designed to develop their competence across technical, analytical, and professional domains. The following key responsibilities are included:
- Participate in hands-on research projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers
- Assist with data collection, laboratory work, and testing activities in line with assigned projects
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical engineering and research challenges
- Support the development of technical reports, presentations, and documentation
- Contribute to ongoing product development and innovation initiatives
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to solve technical problems
- Engage in continuous learning and skills development through internal training sessions
- Attend scheduled mentorship sessions and receive professional guidance from senior staff
- Ensure compliance with the CSIR’s policies, safety regulations, and research standards
- Demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and accountability throughout the internship
Skills and Attributes
To be successful in this internship, candidates must display strong academic capability combined with professional and interpersonal competencies.
Key skills and personal attributes include:
- Solid theoretical foundation in electrical, electronic, or mechatronic engineering principles
- Ability to apply problem-solving and analytical thinking to research and development projects
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) for collaborative work and technical reporting
- Strong teamwork abilities and willingness to contribute to multi-disciplinary teams
- Proficiency in relevant computer software tools used in engineering and research analysis
- Attention to detail when conducting research, analysis, and documentation
- Time management skills to meet deadlines and balance multiple tasks
- Personal responsibility, professionalism, and integrity in workplace conduct
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and continuously develop new skills within a research environment
- Commitment to adhering to the CSIR’s ethical standards, policies, and research best practices
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Position Summary
The CSIR/SASSETA Internship Programme 2025 represents an outstanding opportunity for South African graduates to launch their careers in science, technology, and engineering fields. By participating in this highly structured internship, candidates will benefit from:
- Two full years of practical work experience within one of South Africa’s most prestigious research organizations
- Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research, innovation, and real-world problem solving
- Structured mentorship and coaching from leading scientists and industry experts
- Development of both technical and professional skills necessary for long-term employability
- The opportunity to contribute directly to South Africa’s national innovation and development goals
- A competitive stipend to support interns during the learning period
- Hybrid work environment offering both on-site and remote learning exposure
Upon successful completion of the programme, interns will have built a solid foundation of experience that enhances their employability within the science, technology, and research sectors, both nationally and internationally.
Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, candidates must submit the following required documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Comprehensive CV detailing academic qualifications and relevant skills
- Proof of qualification (certificate or official letter of completion)
Applications must be submitted online. Search for Job ID: 314352 on the CSIR Careers Portal to locate the internship listing.
For enquiries (not applications):
Email: Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
Important Notices:
- Feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only
- Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act
- The CSIR reserves the right to withdraw, delay, or not fill the position should suitable candidates not be identified