Senior Software Developer: Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology – CSIR Pretoria
About CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of South Africa’s leading science and technology organisations. With a strong focus on research, development, and innovation, CSIR creates and localises advanced technologies that contribute to industrial development and socio-economic prosperity.
As part of its mission to support South Africa’s transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), CSIR is home to the Emerging Digital Technologies for 4IR (EDT4IR) Research Centre. This unit drives innovation in areas such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and distributed ledger technologies.
The organisation is now recruiting for a Senior Software Developer: Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology, based in Pretoria (hybrid work arrangement available). This role reports directly to the Research Group Leader.
For more information, visit: CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions.
About the Role
The Senior Software Developer will take the lead in designing, developing, and implementing blockchain and distributed ledger systems. The position requires a highly skilled professional who is passionate about emerging digital technologies and can deliver secure, scalable, and innovative blockchain-based solutions.
You will work closely with researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders to build next-generation applications that address real-world challenges. This is a strategic opportunity for a senior developer to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s digital transformation journey.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Software Developer at CSIR, your responsibilities will include:
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Designing and developing cutting-edge blockchain solutions.
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Staying ahead of evolving blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
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Leading blockchain projects of moderate to high complexity, ensuring timely and quality delivery.
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Creating and maintaining technical documentation such as API references and engineering wikis.
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Supervising and mentoring junior developers and researchers.
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Contributing to the improvement of research, development, and innovation (RD&I) processes.
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Publishing and contributing to science and engineering outputs including reports, peer-reviewed papers, guidelines, and software packages.
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Translating client requirements into functional solutions by participating in requirement analysis and proposal development.
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Engaging with clients to deliver technical presentations, demonstrations, and system explanations.
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Participating in strategic planning sessions and external technical committees.
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Continuously updating knowledge of distributed systems, cryptography, and blockchain frameworks.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
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A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
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At least five years’ experience in software development, specifically within blockchain/distributed ledger technology.
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Experience in one or more front-end frameworks: Angular, Vue, React, Next.js, Vite.
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Experience in back-end frameworks: Python Flask, CherryPI, Pyramid, Node.js, ExpressJS, SpringBoot.
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Proficiency in version control systems (Git).
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Database expertise in both SQL (Postgres, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, CouchDB, ClickHouse).
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Infrastructure and DevOps knowledge: Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitLabCI, TravisCI, CircleCI.
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Cloud platform exposure: AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure, Heroku.
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Strong understanding of distributed systems architecture: Client/Server, P2P, Microservices, SOA, Event-driven messaging.
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Skills in system design: caching, load balancing, sharding, fault tolerance, API design.
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Strong programming experience in C++, Java, Rust, Python, Solidity, JavaScript, and Go.
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Demonstrated ability to build real-world blockchain applications.
Advantageous Skills
Candidates with the following will have an added advantage:
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Knowledge of different blockchain consensus models: Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance.
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Understanding of cryptography and encryption protocols.
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Familiarity with DLT tools: Solc Compiler, Test Nets, Interactive Consoles.
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Strong knowledge of open-source platforms and collaborative development tools.
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Experience in designing and implementing algorithms and data structures for blockchain environments.
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Understanding of application architectures (MVC, MVVM, MVI, Microservices).
What CSIR Offers You
By joining CSIR, you gain access to a world-class environment where innovation and career growth are encouraged. Benefits include:
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Flexible hybrid work arrangements for work-life balance.
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Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
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A competitive, market-related remuneration package.
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Contributions to pension, risk insurance, and medical aid as part of a total guaranteed package.
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Recognition through the CSIR Excellence Awards for outstanding contributions.
Employment Equity Commitment
CSIR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in line with the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups.
Applicants should note that background checks, including credit, criminal, qualification, and employment history verification, may form part of the recruitment process.
Application Details
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Job Title: Senior Software Developer – Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology
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Location: Pretoria, Hybrid (On-site and Remote)
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Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
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Closing Date: Not specified – apply early to avoid missing out.
- Click here to Apply
For inquiries, contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre at 012 841 4774 or email: Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za. (Note: Applications sent directly to this email will not be considered.)
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