Senior Institutional Researcher

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

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Pretoria seeks a data analytics professional. The role involves transforming complex analyses into dashboards, mentoring colleagues, and using AI-driven systems to support decision-making. Candidates must hold an Honours degree and have at least 6 years’ experience in analytics. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential. The position offers an opportunity to influence student success and institutional performance through innovative data solutions.

Qualifications

• 6 years of experience in advanced analytics and consultation.
• Proficiency in analytical tools and programming.

Responsibilities

• Transform complex analyses into interactive dashboards and decision-support tools.
• Use AI-driven systems to identify at-risk students.
• Analyse student and staff profiles to anticipate future workforce needs.

Skills

Statistical analysis (quantitative and qualitative)

Knowledge of project management

Development of quantitative solutions

Knowledge of machine learning engineering principles

Strong leadership skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

An Honours degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics or related fields

A Master's degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics or related fields

Tools

Google Cloud

TensorFlow

Power BI

Tableau

AWS

Azure

Docker

Job description

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Transforming complex analyses into interactive dashboards, visualisations, and decision‑support tools tailored for executive leaders;
• Using AI‑driven early warning systems to identify at‑risk students and high‑impact modules;
• Analysing student and staff profiles not only for current differentiation and targets but also to anticipate future workforce needs and skill requirements;
• Incorporating external datasets (national systems, global higher education data, labour market intelligence) to benchmark UP’s performance and identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and competitive positioning;
• Mentoring colleagues in modern analytics approaches, fostering a culture of data literacy and promoting innovative research practices across the University;
• Developing and deploying predictive models to project the shape and size of UP’s student body as part of the enrolment planning;
• Ingesting and analysing diverse datasets (demographics, economic trends, labour market intelligence, competitor institutions, school‑level data);
• Building simulation tools that integrate financial constraints, staffing capacity, infrastructure, and technology requirements to evaluate sustainable growth options;
• Deploying advanced analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and automated web‑scraping to continuously monitor competitor institutions, global HE trends, policy shifts, and emerging technologies that impact higher education;
• Building interactive dashboards and real‑time monitoring systems to replace traditional reports, enabling ongoing tracking of faculty and institutional performance against strategic priorities;
• Enhancing the subsidy model with scenario planning and sensitivity analyses, using AI‑driven forecasting to simulate the financial impact of enrolment shifts, policy changes, and new programme introductions;
• Automating monitoring of performance indicators through integrated data pipelines;
• Analysing ranking metrics using comparative analytics, machine learning clustering, and bibliometric tools to identify strengths, gaps, and leverage points for global visibility;
• Actively collaborating with executive leaders, faculties, and professional service divisions to co‑design data‑driven solutions that address institutional challenges and opportunities;
• Representing UP in national and international institutional research, higher education analytics, and AI/ML in education communities.

Minimum Requirements

• An Honours degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas;
• A total of 6 years’ experience;
• Advanced Analytics and Consultation;
• Proficiency in Analytical Tools and Programming.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Statistical analysis (quantitative and qualitative), prediction and interpretation;
• Knowledge of project management;
• Development of quantitative solutions;
• Knowledge of the higher educational sector;
• Knowledge of machine learning engineering principles;
• Statistical analysis tools;
• AI and advanced analytics (Google Cloud, Tensor flow);
• Interactive dashboard development (Power BI, Tableau);
• Proven competence in the use of data management and statistical analysis tools;
• DevOps and Software Development;
• Strong leadership skills and decisiveness;
• Ability to maintain high level stakeholder relations;
• High level of integrity in handling sensitive information;
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly organised and a keen commitment to excellence;
• The ability to liaise and communicate effectively on all levels within the organisation and with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Strong capacity to identify complex problems, analyse them systematically, and develop practical, data‑informed solutions that balance strategic and operational needs;
• Ability to anticipate future trends, generate creative solutions, and apply forward‑looking approaches (including digital and analytical innovations) to institutional challenges;
• Strategic Communication and Collaboration;
• Ability to work in a team.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• A Master’s degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas;
• Experience in Higher Education Contexts;
• Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) Membership;
• Experience with DevOps tools and practices for deploying and managing analytics solutions (e.g. AWS, Azure, Docker);
• Strategic communication and collaboration.

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: 16 January 2026.

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

ENQUIRIES: Ms M. Molema, Tel: [phone], [e-mail] for application‑related enquiries.

Dr Hossein Masoumi Karakani, [e-mail] for post related content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, 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‑representated 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.