Chief Officer (post level 8) (contract appointment: 4 years) (Job ID: 6281)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Chief Officer for a contract appointment to maintain research laboratories and perform analytical work. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have significant experience in a bioassay or pharmaceutical research environment. This role offers diverse responsibilities, including managing chemical inventories, assisting students, and publishing research. Competitive benefits are included, with duties starting as soon as possible.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Housing allowance

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience in a bioassay/pharmaceutical research laboratory.
• Ability to interpret analytical/pharmaceutical sciences results and data.

Responsibilities

• Maintain stock and database of all chemicals/reagents/standards/solvents available.
• Perform analyses and tests for AMITD platform projects as per manager's requests.
• Publish original science research and review papers.

Skills

Knowledge in pharmacological/pharmaceutical/analytical chemistry research

Formal report and scientific writing skills

Proficient in using MS Office

Education

PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in Analytical chemistry/Biotechnology/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

GraphPad

Job description

Chief Officer (post level 8) (contract appointment: 4 years) (Job ID: 6281)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll – Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintain stock and database of all chemicals/reagents/standards/solvents available.
• Maintain and manage the research laboratories to remain clean facilities.
• Perform analyses and tests for the African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD) platform projects as per the line manager's requests.
• Perform research work on method analytical development and validation.
• Undertake contract research.
• Leverage and attract research funding (apply for grants).
• Assist students (co‑supervised pharmacology postgraduate students).
• Participate in all AMITD academic activities.
• Produce scientifically publishable data.
• Publish original science research and review papers.
• Work reliably on a flexible schedule, Monday – Friday and some weekends or as pre‑planned on public holidays, to meet the demands of the AMITD platform.
• Participate, work and perform research activities off campus and in rural communities.

Inherent requirements

• A PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in Analytical chemistry/Biotechnology/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences or other relevant area of scientific training.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant work experience in a bioassay/pharmaceutical research laboratory.
• Ability to interpret analytical/pharmaceutical sciences results and data (state ability clearly in CV).

Recommendations

• Knowledge in pharmacological/pharmaceutical/analytical chemistry research.
• A minimum of four (4) years’ proven/demonstrated practical full‑time work experience in pharmacology research and herbal medicines laboratory research.
• Some animal research and experimentation experience.
• Formal report, scientific and grant writing skills.

Required competencies

• Results Oriented: The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success; The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task; The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to deal with several activities at a time; The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner; The ability to be creative and open‑minded when addressing work issues; The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen: The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations; Proficient in using MS Office; Knowledge of basics of research ethics – GLP, GMP, etc.; Knowledge of IKS policies, acts; Knowledge of data interpretation software – GraphPad, etc.
• Leadership: The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others; The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good‑natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions: The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others; The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.

Closing date: 28 November 2025.

Salary: The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.