Doctoral Studentship: Artificial Intelligence Technologies at The CSIR
About the job:
The CSIR has a Doctoral Studentship: Artificial Intelligence Technologies opportunity in the Emerging Digital Technologies for Fourth Industrial Revolution (EDT4IR) Research Centre, within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. A doctoral studentship is a temporary (three-year) employment contract with the CSIR for selected graduates to primarily perform research on topics approved by the CSIR and under the co-supervision of CSIR experts. The doctoral studentships are for three (3) year period. The studentship is fully funded by the CSIR and will lead to a doctoral degree. The incumbent will be responsible for under conduct original research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by demonstrating theoretical and application aspects of AI techniques. This opportunity is based in Pretoria.
For more information about the cluster, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/nextgen-enterprises-and-institutions.
Research topics:
Possible research areas include (but not limited to):
- General Artificial intelligence
- Large-scale Machine Learning/Deep Learning
- Probabilistic modelling, Information Theory
- Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality
- Computer vision for Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence bias
Key responsibilities
- Prepare a research proposal to be approved by both the CSIR and the university;
- Prepare a written literature overview of the current state-of-the-art relevant to the research topic;
- Perform original research to solve the open research problem(s) that the student identified in his/her proposal;
- Produce sufficient quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications based on the Doctoral research topic;
- Compile the Doctoral thesis and defending the work successfully; and
- Contribute to extra activities that may be outside the scope of the doctoral research as per the needs of the research group. The amount of such work shall be limited to 20% of the total time.
Qualifications, skills and experience
- A Master’s degree in computer/electronic engineering, computer science or equivalent NQF 9 qualification(s);
- Ability to generate research questions and hypotheses: Review, critique and synthesize a body of research, identifying significant gaps in knowledge, methods and study subjects to develop research questions and testable hypotheses;
- Ability to work well under pressure as part of a team as well as independently
- Effectively communicate issues, research findings and implications of research verbally and in writing to appropriate professional and public audiences;
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals who take ownership and initiative and have the willingness to learn;
- Good knowledge of digital ledger technologies;
- A good peer-reviewed publication record will be advantageous.
Applicants must attach the following documents:
- An abstract of research statement/philosophy (maximum 2 pager) that highlights the problem statement, research questions, research objectives and expected outputs/outcomes/impact of the research;
- Certified copies of the applicant’s latest academic results or transcript;
- Certified copies of tertiary qualifications;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- If applicable, proof of registration from university or confirmation letter from university supervisor that he is willing to be involved in the candidate supervision.
Closing date: 12 December 2022
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please email us at Recruitment03@csir.co.za. Please do-not send your application to this mailbox, it is only for inquiries.
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 applicant’s 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.
