Director

DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION .
DIRECTOR
PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 3

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top research-intensive university, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex contemporary issues. It is one of the largest producers of research and Postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The
University has invested in a number of research platforms, including Future Africa, which support multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is continuously expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the globe.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite  applications from exceptional leaders for the position of Director: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary and dynamic professional to shape the University’s strategic direction in research, innovation, and postgraduate studies, positioning UP at the forefront of global academic excellence

JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, the Director will lead and manage the University’s research development agenda, commercialisation initiatives, and postgraduate education. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening UP’s research capacity by growing the next generation of scholars, attracting research funding and grants, auditing and processing external grants, and enhancing the postgraduate and postdoctoral experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful incumbent’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
 Provide visionary and strategic leadership in advancing the University’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, national imperatives, and global trends in knowledge production and innovation.
 Identify and secure research funding from diverse sources, national funding agencies, international donors, philanthropic organisations, and industry, while supporting researchers in grant proposal development and strategic funding alignment.
 Drive research excellence and promote the University’s research profile by providing strategic leadership in research policy, planning and implementation and through leading the cross-cutting functions of postgraduate coordination, research capacity
development, innovation and intellectual property and contract management.
 Develop, oversee and continuously improve systems, including for:
o Identifying and making use of research funding opportunities;
o Making information required for planning, implementing and reporting on UP’s research activities and for strengthening its research performance and standing readily available;
o All administration and quality assurance related to internal and external research grants, including reporting, and
o Marketing UP’s research expertise and achievements.

 Supervise the implementation of advanced research and student systems (e.g., RIMS, Postdoctoral Management).
 Assume overall responsibility for institutional research reporting, including the annual research report, submission of the University’s research outputs to the DHET and the University’s annual report to the DHET.
 Lead the development of research capacity through mentorship, training, and support for emerging researchers, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, with an emphasis on transformation and excellence.
 Plan, manage and continuously improve the systems, processes, operations, human resources and finances of the Department of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education to ensure its effective functioning in support of the University’s strategic
objectives.
 Drive the translation of research into innovative solutions by supporting intellectual property management, commercialisation pathways, and the development of spin-offs, start-ups, and technology transfer initiatives

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent).
 A minimum of 10 years’ experience of which 5 years should be in a senior academic, research, or innovation leadership role.
 Proven experience and success in securing large research funding, managing large research portfolios, and fostering strategic partnerships.
 Proven understanding of higher education, national and international research systems, and intellectual property frameworks.
 Proven track record of research excellence and innovation leadership, including experience in developing research capacity, fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration, and translating research into societal and/or commercial impact.
 Proven experience in drafting, evaluating, and implementing institutional policies related to research, innovation and postgraduate education.
 A proven record of success in strategic leadership of new initiatives.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
The successful candidate will have advanced proficiency in the following knowledge and technical competencies:
 Ability to plan and respond to emerging global trends in research, innovation, and postgraduate education; adept at translating vision into actionable strategies aligned with institutional goals.
 In-depth knowledge of research management systems, postgraduate education frameworks, and regulatory environments, with the ability to design and oversee institutional systems for efficiency and accountability.
 Ability to lead, develop, and inspire diverse, multidisciplinary teams. Committed to inclusive leadership, performance management, staff development, and promoting a high-performance culture.
 Knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights, technology transfer and the processes of research commercialisation within the academic environment and industry interface.
 Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships across academia, government, industry, and funding agencies.
 Ability to manage complex budgets, align resource allocation with strategic priorities and drive cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.

 Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for research information management, analytics, and reporting.
 Commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic ethics, governance, confidentiality, and institutional accountability.
 Excellent communication (written and verbal) and report writing skills.
 Excellent negotiating and relationship management skills.
 Highly developed analytical skills.
 Ability to lead a number of strategic high-impact initiatives, including grants, that require multi-stakeholder, multi-lateral and multi-national partnerships.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES
 A postgraduate degree in Business Management, e.g. MBA
 A qualification in project management.

REMUNERATION
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are requested to apply online, quoting the applicable reference number at http://www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP. Applications must be accompanied by the
following supporting documents that must be attached electronically to the application:
 A full curriculum vitae
 An abbreviated curriculum vitae
 Certified copies of qualifications and identity document or passport
 A self-evaluation by the applicant on their suitability for appointment in the position
 Applicant's vision for the portfolio
 Names and contact details of at least 3 referees who can attest to the candidate's
stature as well as leadership qualities. (Applicants should note that the University also
reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees).
PLEASE NOTE:
All shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a presentation that they will present to the Selection Committee. The presentation topic and further details will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant competencies and psychometric assessments as part of the selection process. CLOSING DATE: 8 AUGUST 2025
Applications that are submitted after the closing date or are incomplete or if they do not comply with at least the minimum requirements will not be considered.

ENQUIRIES:

Professor Sunil Maharaj, e-mail: [email protected] on enquiries related to the position. Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, email: [email protected] on the application process. Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record (including sexual offences clearance), credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised position.