Senior Director of Research at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities include the following:

• Developing research and innovation strategic plans that align with Wits 2033 Strategy
• Directing the University Research and Innovation Committee (UR&IC) – a Senate and Council sub-committee appointed to oversee research
• Preparing the annual research budget and controlling its expenditure.
• Implementing initiatives and providing core services including ethics oversight that will promote research and support researchers.
• Managing a large group of people in the broader research office that contribute to a research conducive environment.
• Implement programs that facilitate interdisciplinarity, innovation and an inclusive graduate culture
• Development and implementation of an integrated approach for researcher development that includes supporting and mentoring staff pursuing doctoral studies and emerging researchers trying to establish a career in their areas of specialisation.
• Enable researcher-led innovation and the commercialization of intellectual property
• Provide leadership and support to grow the profession of research and innovation managers and administrators across the University.

Requirements:

• PhD Degree or equivalent
• At least 10 years’ experience in research project management including pre- and post-award activities and people management including performance management.
• A strong research or research management track record. Appointment as an Associate or Full professor will be a significant advantage.
• Experience in ensuring compliance with a strong regulatory framework for finance, staff management and payments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact across a broad range of society –including business, government and other national stakeholders as well as with students, staff (academic and professional staff), alumni, donors and potential donors across diverse cultures
• Excellent written and verbal skills, including the ability to write proposals, and make impactful presentations.
• Detailed Description