09 January 26 Research Manager (Fixed Term Contract) Wits Mind Institute

Wits Enterprise; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Johannesburg seeks a Research Manager to coordinate multiple research projects and manage budgets, ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will hold an Honours or Master's degree along with a minimum of 3 years of experience in research coordination. Responsibilities include planning scientific events, managing finances, and facilitating collaboration. This is a fixed-term contract for 3 years, which may be renewable based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in research coordination/project management.
• Strong experience with budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
• Proven experience coordinating scientific events and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor progress of research projects and workstreams.
• Develop, track, and monitor project budgets and financial reports.
• Curate and deliver scientific events calendar including conferences and workshops.

Skills

Research and project coordination

Budget and financial management

Stakeholder engagement and communications

Event planning and delivery

Data analysis

Excellent writing

Digital fluency

Education

Honours or Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft

Power BI

Project management tools

Job description

Research Manager (Fixed term contract) - Wits MIND Institute

09 / 01 /

Description of vacant position

The Research Manager plays a central role in working across multiple research clusters, coordinating research projects, managing budgets and procurement, implementing financial controls, delivering high-profile scientific events, and driving stakeholder engagement and institutional reporting. The position supports MIND's strategic ambition to be Africa's leading institute advancing scientific understanding of intelligence in machines, humans, and animals.

How to apply

To apply: please submit a covering letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three references on the link.

For queries: contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA / HR Officer, by email at

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Activities and Responsibilities

1. Research Coordination & Management

• Coordinate and monitor progress of MIND's research projects and workstreams.
• Support internal project reporting, budget tracking, deliverables, and documentation.
• Facilitate collaboration among researchers, fellows, and partners.
• Develop, track, and monitor project budgets.
• Maintain financial records and prepare financial reports for internal and donor requirements.
• Coordinate expenditure tracking, cost control, and compliance with institutional and donor regulations.

3. Events & Institutional Convenings

• Curate and deliver MIND's scientific and stakeholder events calendar.
• Coordinate conferences, symposia, workshops, and public lectures.
• Manage event logistics, speaker coordination, budgets, and event outcome reporting.
• Ensure inclusive and accessible event practices.

4. Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement

• Map, maintain, and update stakeholder and partner networks.
• Support partnership development, MoUs, donor engagement, and follow-ups.
• Prepare partner and funder reporting.
• Identify collaboration and co‑funding opportunities.

5. Research Communications & Visibility

• Develop communication plans for research outputs and events.
• Produce reports, articles, web content, and impact stories showcasing MIND's work.
• Work with Wits Communications to ensure brand alignment.
• Support digital engagement and content for MIND platforms.

6. Strategy, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEAL)

• Support research strategy implementation and funding proposal development.
• Implement MEAL frameworks, track KPIs, and conduct data analysis.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reporting for leadership and funders.

7. Team & Culture

• Supervise interns or short‑term staff supporting events or communications.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work culture.
• Uphold ethical standards, compliance, and MIND's values.

Qualifications and experience

• Honours or Master's degree in a relevant field (science, engineering, social science, innovation management, research management, or project management) and at least 3 years of working experience in research coordination / project management / financial management field.

Desirable experience and qualifications

• Experience supporting interdisciplinary research teams.
• Proven experience coordinating scientific events, workshops, and conferences.
• Demonstrated experience in communications, outreach, or research impact reporting.
• Strong experience with budgeting, expenditure tracking, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Understanding of academic, donor, and stakeholder ecosystems.
• Experience in research or AI‑related domains (advantageous).

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours)

• Research and project coordination.
• Budget and financial management.
• Stakeholder engagement and communications.
• Event planning and delivery.
• Data analysis, reporting, and MEAL frameworks.
• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
• Digital fluency (Microsoft, Power BI, and project management tools).
• Ability and willingness to develop AI‑driven workflows to streamline processes.
• Strategic thinking and alignment to institutional priorities.
• Collaboration and relationship‑building.
• High accountability and integrity.
• Innovation and problem‑solving orientation.
• Adaptability and responsiveness to changing demands.
• Clear, diplomatic, and sensitive communication.
• Leadership that fosters trust and an inclusive culture.

Fixed Term Contract for 3 years (renewable subject to performance and funding).

Wits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The position will be at Wits Machine Intelligence & Neural Discovery Institute (Wits MIND Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg).