Vacant Position – Security Analyst

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape

Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 10 November 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa􀂷s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

SARAO requires a detail-oriented cyber security analyst who will be responsible for protecting IT/OT infrastructure (including networks, hardware and software, Engineering & Industrial Control systems, Building Management Systems) from a range of cyber threats. You will monitor networks and systems, detect security threats (‘events’), analyze and assess alarms, and report on threats, intrusion attempts and false alarms and malware, either resolving them or escalating them, depending on the severity.

SARAO requires a detailed-oriented security analyst who will be responsible for protecting IT/OT infrastructure and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and data. You will be responsible for monitoring, detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents in real-time. Furthermore, you will provide input and support in the development of cybersecurity strategies and policies in alignment with the business needs.

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Information Technology/Systems or Computer Science/Systems, AND
* IT Security Certification (CompTIA Security+ or equivalent)

Experience:
3 years in the field of Information Technology with Security Monitoring, Threat Management and Incident Response and experience with security operations

Knowledge:
* Understanding of some of these protocols: UDP, SNMP, SMTP, PGP, SFTP, SSH, IPSec, VPN, LDAP, HTTP, SSL/TLS, PKI and DNS.
* Understanding of LAN, WAN, VLANs, VM, IP Tables and End-Point security.
* Understanding of operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux
* Trouble shooting techniques, helpdesk and end-user support.
* Understanding of DevOps & DevSecOps practices, logs monitoring & security events analysis.

Additional Notes:
* Presentation and communication skills
* Self-driven and able to self-manage
* Ability to learn new technologies, solutions & keen interest in acquiring new skills.
* Ability to constructively interact with various stakeholders including Management, other Employees/Teams, Service Providers and Vendors.
* Analytic and Report writing
* Team player – willingness to help colleagues and provide organizational support, and to fit in with organizational culture and methodologies

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment 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.

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