Research Coordinator (P9) (Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment) 15 months contract
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa”.
Job description
The Council of the University of Johannesburg has declared the University as a mandatory vaccination site as per the applicable policy ((https://www.uj.ac.za/covid-19/). All applications and offers of employment is dependent upon compliance with the said policy .
- An exciting opportunity has become available to work full time on 15-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop bespoke data science capabilities to undertake analysis of crop spectral signatures through remote sensing technologies. Supported by a team of academics at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) and the University of Johannesburg, you will be based at the company’s premises in Pretoria, GeoSpace.
- This is an exciting opportunity to work on the African Agri-food Knowledge Transfer Partnership Scheme, which is a new internationalised model of Innovate UK’s (the UK's innovation agency) long-standing and hugely successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, which aims to develop opportunities to deliver innovation expertise across additional sectors in Africa and beyond.
- The project is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in both cutting edge research and implementation in some of the most complex environments; paving the way to resilient and sustainable futures across Africa.
Minimum requirements
- Diploma qualification in a data science field, with knowledge and expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Large-Scale Data Analytics.
- R, Python or similar open-source software
- Open-source GIS software (e.g. QGIS)
- Working knowledge of Linux environment
- Satellite data dissemination (e.g. SAR optical and multispectral)
- Enthusiasm, strong communication and time management skills
- Must be able to work to deadlines, both individually and collaboratively, often with multiple tasks
- Good command of written and spoken English
- Capability to communicate complex concepts in a clear manner to a wide-ranging audience.
- Eagerness to learn and develop knowledge in emerging technologies
- Ability to work independently, manage and carry out appropriate research and respond to enquiries and requests for information from the KTP partners and relevant stakeholders
- Willingness to travel, both internally and abroad
- £2,500 budget to spend on personal training
- Attendance at two residential managerial workshops
- Remote sensing tools such as GDAL, ERDAS Imagine and Google Earth engine
- Big data and relevant machine learning algorithms
- Agricultural remote sensing
- SQL
- Linux
- This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme funded by Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works with business and the Universities, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
