Executive: Academic Research

Resourgenix (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in South Africa is looking for a leader to enhance research capability and ethics governance. The ideal candidate will have a Doctorate and significant experience in research leadership and academic publishing. Responsibilities include leading research methodologies, chairing ethics processes, and analysing data for informed decision-making. This role is an opportunity to influence the research agenda within a tertiary division, fostering a rigorous and impactful academic environment.

Qualifications

• A Doctorate is non-negotiable.
• Deep experience in research leadership and ethics governance.
• Ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead programmes in research methodologies and academic writing.
• Chair ethics review processes and manage ethical clearance.
• Analyse institutional data to produce strategic insights.
• Oversee accredited academic journals and international conferences.

Skills

Research leadership

Ethics governance

Academic publishing

Data analysis

Mentorship

Education

Doctorate

Job description

The opportunity

You will take the lead on institutional research, ethics governance, and research support services that enable sustainable, high-quality scholarly activity. Your work will shape how academics write, publish, supervise, and disseminate research for years to come.

This role sits at the centre of postgraduate supervision development, research methodologies, academic writing, publication pathways, and institutional data insight. You will build capacity, grow capability, and cultivate a research environment that is both rigorous and ambitious.

A key mandate is simple: elevate the academic standing of the tertiary division through world‑class journals, high‑impact conferences, and research that actually influences thinking.

What you will drive

Research capability and support

Lead programmes in research methodologies, academic writing, publication development, and postgraduate supervision. Build responsive services such as statistical support, editing, and mentorship structures that ensure equitable access to research resources.

Ethics governance

Chair ethics review processes, enforce compliance with national and international protocols, and provide development in responsible research conduct. Manage ethical clearance across all institutions with precision and courage.

Institutional research and insight

Analyse institutional data to uncover trends, quality indicators, risks, and opportunities. Produce strategic insights, dashboards, and benchmarking reports that inform executive decision‑making and academic planning.

Journals and conferences

Oversee accredited academic journals, strengthen editorial integrity, and expand international reach. Design and curate annual or biennial international research conferences, including keynote selection, programme development, sponsorship strategy, and post‑conference proceedings.

What you bring

A Doctorate. Non‑negotiable.

Deep experience in research leadership, ethics governance, academic publishing, and institutional strategy.

A confident ability to translate complex data into meaning.

A talent for connecting people and building research communities.

A commitment to academic rigour, integrity, and global visibility.

Why this role matters

Research excellence does not happen by chance. It is built by leaders who set the standard, create the systems, and push institutions to think bigger. If you are ready to influence the research agenda of an entire tertiary division, this is the platform.

Ready to lead something that actually shifts the needle?

Apply now.