Internship: Earth Observation for Ocean Applications

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 organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

(Twelve-months contract)

The CSIR has an internship opportunity for an Intern in the e-Government Impact Area within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions Cluster. The purpose of the Internship is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in the geospatial, machine-learning and remote sensing for the ocean or any other earth observation related topics. This position is based in Cape Town and will report to the Research Group Leader.

For more information about the cluster, please visit

• Conduct research on marine plastics detection monitoring using earth observation techniques;
• Conduct satellite data preprocessing and analysis;
• Develop, test and validate methods for marine debris detection in the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ);
• Develop machine learning models for marine debris detection using earth observation;
• Contribute/produce research article(s) for peer-reviewed publications based on the research conducted.

• An Honours degree in geoinformatics, geomatics, or a related/relevant field;
• Knowledge of the following:
  • Earth observation image processing specifically optical/multispectral, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and related concepts;
  • Python, Tensorflow, Pytorch;
  • Machine learning operations development and implementation.
• Good understanding of the scientific method: design of experiments, running experiments, critical analysis of results and dissemination of knowledge;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with the team.

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.