Senior Director of Research at University of the Witwatersrand June, 2024

Department Description        

• The main purpose of this post is to provide strategic leadership and managerial oversight on research and innovation activities at the University of the Witwatersrand. This role requires a combination of management expertise, research experience, and strong leadership and communication skills. The incumbent will direct the Research and Innovation Office comprising a diverse team that provides support to academic staff and post-graduate students in all five Faculties. It is key position for a research-intensive university that aspires to excellence and impact in providing solutions to local and global challenges.
• Research management and administration is a critical function that, in a university context, consists of a wide range of tasks and responsibilities that lead, direct, support, encourage and nurture research and the associated researchers including post-graduate students.

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities include the following:

•  Developing research and innovation strategic plans that align with Wits 2033 Strategy
•  Directing the University Research and Innovation Committee (UR&IC) – a Senate and Council sub-committee appointed to oversee research
•  Preparing the annual research budget and controlling its expenditure.
•  Implementing initiatives and providing core services including ethics oversight that will promote research and support researchers.
•  Managing a large group of people in the broader research office that contribute to a research conducive environment.
•  Implement programs that facilitate interdisciplinarity, innovation and an inclusive graduate culture
•  Development and implementation of an integrated approach for researcher development that includes supporting and mentoring staff pursuing doctoral
•       studies and emerging researchers trying to establish a career in their areas of specialisation.
•  Enable researcher-led innovation and the commercialization of intellectual property
•  Provide leadership and support to grow the profession of research and innovation managers and administrators across the University.

 Requirements:

•  PhD Degree or equivalent
•  At least 10 years’ experience in research project management including pre- and post-award activities and people management including performance management.
•  A strong research or research management track record. Appointment as an Associate or Full professor will be a significant advantage.
•  Experience in ensuring compliance with a strong regulatory framework for finance, staff management and payments.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact across a broad range of society – including business, government and other national stakeholders
•  As well as with students, staff (academic and professional staff), alumni, donors and potential donors across diverse cultures
•  Excellent written and verbal skills, including the ability to write proposals, and make impactful presentations.

To apply:      

• Submit a detailed CV with names, addresses (preferably email addresses) and contact details of 3 referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and covering letter.
•  External applicants are invited to apply, by registering your profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at and
• Submitting your application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path:  iWits /Self Servic application/”Apply for a job”  

CLOSING DATE: 14 June 2024