Director: Research (Grade 19)

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,476,000 - 1,804,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director: Research. This strategic role sits in the Research Division and is designed to enable a thriving research culture across the University.

The Director will strengthen processes to pursue funding opportunities, work with researchers and faculties, and lead the Research Office's day-to-day operations while participating in senior management.

Qualifications

• Track record in research leadership or managing a research support or capacity development department.
• Track record in research grant acquisition or postgraduate training.
• At least 3 years’ management and leadership experience at a senior level.
• Knowledge of 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management of the Research Office's day-to-day operations.
• Lead a range of research- and postgraduate-related processes within the University.
• Support and manage research endeavours across the research excellence development pipeline.
• Collaborate with researchers, faculties, research entities, and professional support divisions to maximise success in attracting external funding.
• Participate in senior management functions and activities as a member of the University’s Senior Management.

Skills

Research leadership

Grant acquisition

Senior management

Job description

Director: Research (Grade 19)

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 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.

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

The 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

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 take. 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.