Job Description

SANSA has the mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology advances space engineering programmes and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy.
More information about the organisation can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za.
SANSA thrives on its employees' creativity, competencies, expertise and ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of care, customer-centricity, trust, collaboration and innovation, then SANSA could be the place for you.
The following opportunity exists in SANSA to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications.
Researcher (Helio-physics Focus)
Location: Hermanus, Western Cape
Programme: Space Science
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to the Science Research and Applications Manager, the Researcher will undertake cutting edge research in a space science related field, train postgraduate students and build a research track record while contributing to growing knowledge and developing applications within SANSA.
The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• PhD - Space Science/Space Physics/Applied Mathematics/Engineering
• 3-5 years' experience in a research position
• Excellent research track record that demonstrates the ability to do independent research with a strong preference for helio-physics. An added advantage would include space weather and solar physics.
• Peer-reviewed publications with a preference for first-author papers.
• Experience in delivering lectures and seminars.
• Participation in science advancement activities with a preference for postgraduate student supervision.
• Programming skills with a preference for Python.
• The ability to work independently and as part of the team.
• Preference will be given to skills sets and research fields that advance SANSA's operational space weather ambitions with an added advantage of MHD modelling.
• An advantage is having established or potential research contacts in Africa.
• NRF rating would be an advantage.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

• Undertake cutting edge research and development
• International and national partnerships
• Human Capacity development and outreach
• General Administration

Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV and apply on www.sansa.org.za
Disclaimer
Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should a candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavour to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with SANSA's Employment Equity plans. SANSA reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
Background verification, including criminal records, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, shall form part of the selection process. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.
Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Skills Required