EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT (5-YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasizes Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future"
Job description
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for research and innovation in alignment with the university's mission and goals.
- Provide visionary leadership to advance the university's research and innovation initiatives.
- Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation among faculties, researchers and students.
- Manage the administrative aspects of research, including budgets, grants management, and research compliance.
- Strategically manage Research Development and Support as well as prioritise the Commercialization aspect of the Research and Innovation initiatives, and grow this area and opportunity for funding, grants, intellectual property and patents.
- In partnership with the faculties, institutes and research centres, drive or support initiatives to realise the University's Strategic Plans.
- Develop, update, articulate and implement institutional research and innovation strategies.
- Promote and advance excellence in research and innovation.
- Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
- Facilitate technology transfer and commercialisation of research.
- Identify and pursue external research funding opportunities from national and international funding sources, collaborators, partners, government funders and philanthropic support.
- Promote responsible conduct of research and adherence to ethical principles.
- Enhance the visibility and reputation of the university's research programmes.
- Sustain and strengthen national and international research and innovation partnerships and collaborations.
- Collaborate with other universities, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to enhance research opportunities and partnerships.
- Effectively manage administrative and professional support staff, including staff development (recognition, retention and recruitment)
- Ensure a collegial and supportive working environment.
Minimum requirements
- A PhD / Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) or equivalent.
- Substantive and acknowledged academic/research stature.
- Senior executive management experience (at least 10 years) at a research or academic institution within the higher education sector.
- Proven excellent strategic leadership skills and knowledge, insights and vision to support the academic community and leadership in the University's drive to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education sector-Research and Innovation landscape, nationally, regionally and internationally.
- Ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally.
- Ability to manage the portfolio's finances and resources effectively and efficiently.
- Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels and in staff recruitment mentorship and development.
- The capacity for strategic leadership and operational excellence within the portfolio.
- Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resillience to function under pressure.
- Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body and/or international association
- Experience in a University or comparable environment at an operational and strategic level.
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.
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.
