About the position
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is established by an Act of Parliament and mandated to contribute to national development by
supporting, promoting and advancing research and human capacity development, through funding and the provision of the necessary
research infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and
technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge; and supporting and promoting public awareness of, and
engagement with, science. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally
and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public
funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best
practice research evaluation and support systems
Desired Skills:
- Presentation Skills
- Report Writing
- Project Management experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desired Qualification Level:
- Degree
About The Employer:
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research
Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed between
the two sites, SAAO employs roughly 130 people, many of them scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the
Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility
on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South
Africa.
The NRF SAAO seeks to employ an education officer who form part of the organisation science engagement team and will be
responsible for the implementation of science education and awareness programmes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development and implementation of both high and primary school learners- workshop in science and mathematics.
- Facilitation of science teacher development workshops (drawing from science education curriculum content and including innovative pedagogical approaches).
- Designing and implementation of science education projects intended to inspire learners in science, technology and innovation.
- Developing science education resources (physical, material and digital)
- To establish and lead all stakeholder engagements with all relevant parties in science education including teachers, departments ofeducation and relevant science education organisations
Key Requirements:
Qualification:
B Ed (Science Education) or B Tech (Science Education) or a 3 year Science Degree with post graduate certificate in education or science
communication or related field
Valid Driver's Licence
Experience:
- 2 years in a science education environment (this can be formal (schools) or informal (as in science centres, research centres or museum)
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of South African school science curriculum content
- Different pedagogical approaches
- Basic astronomy knowledge will be considered an advantage
Additional Notes:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to facilitate workshops (for both learners and teachers)
- Presentation skills
- Ability to develop resources linked to curriculum content
- Report writing
- Ability to work in a team
- Some project management experience/ knowledge
- Ability to communicate with diverse audiences ( language , age and culture)
- Must be prepared to travel and work away from home
- Must be available to work on some weekends and at night when required
- Interest in astronomy
- Interest in planetarium software
- Interest in telescopes
- Participation in informal science awareness programmes
Information:
The website [URL Removed] provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.
Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to [URL Removed] and apply online. Applications
should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of
at least three referees should be provided.
Closing Date: 13 March 2026
The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF
Employment Equity Plan.
The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.
