Director: Research (Grade 19)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director: Research. The role is to be the strategic enabler of a thriving research culture and to strengthen the University’s reputation as a research-intensive institution.

The Director will lead the Research Office, drive funding initiatives, manage day-to-day operations, and work closely with faculties, research entities, and professional support divisions to maximise external funding while supporting

Qualifications

• PhD degree and approximately 10 years’ relevant experience in research leadership or managing a research support department.
• Experience in securing research funding or postgraduate training.
• At least 3 years’ senior-level management/leadership experience.
• Knowledge of national and international funding agencies and collaborations.
• Experience designing funding instruments to support strategic research objectives.
• Experience in research strategy formulation and implementation.
• Experience directing and managing significant research projects and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to strengthen Rhodes University’s research culture and capabilities.
• Ensure efficient and responsive research support services across the University.
• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of the Research Office.
• Collaborate with researchers, faculties, and professional support divisions to maximise external funding.
• Represent the division in senior management and governance forums.

Skills

Research leadership

Grant acquisition

Strategic planning

Budget management

Team leadership

International collaborations

Education

PhD degree

Job description

Research Division

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director: Research.

Research Division

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director: Research.

Main Objectives

The role of the Director: Research is to be the strategic enabler of a thriving and vibrant research culture at Rhodes University to strengthen Rhodes University’s position and reputation as a research-intensive university. The Director is responsible for ensuring efficient and responsive research support services are provided across the University. Working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, the incumbent will support and manage research endeavours across the research excellence development pipeline, which includes postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, early- and mid-career academics, established academics, research chairs, research entities, faculty programmatic areas, and institutional research themes. The Director will strengthen processes and systems to pursue strategic funding opportunities and work closely with researchers, faculties, research entities, and relevant professional support divisions to maximise the University's success in attracting external research funding. The Director is expected to provide effective management of the Research Office's day-to-day operations and lead a range of research- and postgraduate-related processes within the University. As a member of the University’s Senior Management, the Director participates in the institution's general senior management functions and activities.

The Job Requirements

A PhD degree and approximately 10 years’ relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• A track record in research leadership or managing a research support department or research capacity development department.
• A track record in research grant acquisition or postgraduate training.
• At least 3 years’ management and leadership experience at a senior level.
• Knowledge of and experience in dealing with national and international funding agencies and complex international collaborations.
• Experience in the design of funding instruments in support of research strategic objectives.
• Experience in research strategy formulation and implementation.
• Experience in effectively directing and managing significant research projects/programs/portfolios within a complex organisation.
• Experience managing and reporting on complex budgets.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The Following Documents Are Required

• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.
• A comprehensive CV, which should include the following:
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• Relevant qualifications.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries can be addressed to Ms Ntosh Gongqa at [e-mail] or 046 603 8616.

The shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade 19)

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1,640,255

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date

10 September 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence, Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note that all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we do. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.