CSIR: Data Science Internships (Data Science, Computer Science/Eng, IT, Electronic Eng)

The CSIR has internship opportunities in the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA) programme within the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), which is hosted by the Next Generation Enterprises and Institution cluster. 

The purpose of this internship is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience through research and development of competitive technologies and innovative products under the guidance of researchers and engineers within cross-functional teams. These positions are based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

Under supervision, the Intern will be required to:

• Support DIRISA’s data-related projects by identifying user needs, collecting data, perform data analysis and interpretation and visualization of data. Report insights and help users to make decisions and find improvement opportunities.
• Support DIRISA to solve business problems through machine learning, data mining and statistical algorithms
• Support the software development initiatives of DIRISA for data-related projects.
• Contribute to the DIRISA Student Datathon Challenge and DIRISA Coding School through designing data related challenges, providing training and updating training material.
• Attend technical and on-the-job training as required;
• Contribute to the data related body of knowledge by participating in relevant conferences, symposiums, training events, etc.

Qualification and Skills:

• A bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer/Electronic engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related fields;
• An Honours degree will be advantageous;
• Previous participation in the DIRISA Student Datathon Challenge will be advantageous; 
• Certifications in Data Science will be advantageous;
• Background in Data Science, information technology and/or software development or related fields;
• Practical knowledge of related programming languages such as Python, scripting and the Linux operating system;
• Knowledge and exposure in software development and web frameworks for experimentation and prototyping;
• Good understanding of Data Science lifecycle;
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to interact efficiently with diverse teams of people; and discipline to work individually;
• Good time management skills, problem-solving as well as critical thinking.