Research Coordinator

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in South Africa seeks a Research Coordinator for a 12-month contract. You will manage research projects related to biosecurity, ensuring quality deliverables and effective communication with stakeholders. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field with experience in research management.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Plant Pathology or Entomology or related field with at least 1 year of experience in research management.
• Valid driver's license and South African ID required.
• 3 or more years of experience for added preference.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate project inception and design in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Review project outputs and progress, ensuring goals are met.
• Write reports and communicate with external stakeholders regarding project outcomes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Planning and organizing

Education

Masters degree in Plant Pathology or Entomology

Tools

MS Office

Job description

UP Professional and Support

INNOVATION AFRICA @UP

RESEARCH COORDINATOR (12 Month fixed-term contract)

PERMONES POST LEVEL 10

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

The National Biosecurity Hub

The Hub is a platform where government, industry and the research community jointly address the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) challenges in order to enhance market access for South African commodities and facilitate safe trade.

• Vision & mission
• Significantly increase the capacity currently available to the SPS regulatory authorities of South Africa to deal with biosecurity issues;
  
  

• Overarching aim
• Provide sanitary and phytosanitary capacity building, information and research services to clients in the public and private sectors, to strengthen biosecurity and meet the SPS requirements of international trade.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate project inception and design in collaboration with the Director and stakeholders;
• Critically evaluate project outputs to assess quality, impact and whether deliverables set during the project design phase was adequately addressed;
• Monitor progress and ensure that projects are completed according to the timelines;
• Communicate progress and concerns of projects with the Director to ensure all team members are up to date on current findings and events;
• Write/compile reports on the progress and outcomes of projects related to the Biosecurity environment for external stakeholders as required;
• Perform literature and evidence reviews relating to projects and innovation within the industry;
• Communicate directly with external stakeholders to address concerns and comments relating to technical details of the projects;
• Promote collaboration among stakeholders and institutions;
• Communicate the importance of projects and innovation in the field of biosecurity to government departments, industry stakeholders and various working groups through participating in relevant meetings and presenting project outcomes as required;
• Engage with key stakeholders and intended beneficiaries of projects on on-going initiatives and outcomes;
• Work with the biosecurity team to source project funding;
• Attend internal and industry-related meetings;
• Reviewing technical information and policy directives;
• Liaising with government departments regarding agricultural legislation;
• Drafting of documents such as memos, letters, reports and minutes;
• Documentation, capture, record keeping and dissemination of scientific information to relevant stakeholders;
• Development and maintenance of other relevant databases, handling general enquires from the agricultural industry and government departments;
• Ensure that accurate information is maintained and always available on the website;
• Render advice to stakeholders regarding national and international legislation and regulations.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Masters degree in Plant Pathology OR Entomology OR related field with at least 1 year of experience in research management;
• Valid Drivers licence;
• Valid South African identity document.
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Analytical thinking;
• Computer skills in MS Office package and email;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Efficient planning, organising and prioritising skills;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ethical insight and reliability;
• Professionalism;
• Flexibility and adaptability.
  
  

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Masters degree in Plant Pathology OR Entomology OR related field with 3 or more years of experience in research and project management.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. Renewal of the fixed-term contract after 12 months will be based on performance.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• Cover letter;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
  
  

CLOSING DATE: 9 July 2025

No Application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries: Trishan Moodley, Tel: [phone] for post and application-related enquiries.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2024, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.