Director: Research (Grade 19) at Rhodes University

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.

Closing Date 10 September 2026