Senior Instrument Scientist (P6) (Faculty of Science: Department of Spectrum: Analytical Facility) at University of Johannesburg

Description:

• Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Science (or nominee), the Senior Instrument Scientist will provide strategic and operational leadership for Spectrum and its analytical platforms. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality analytical services, supporting research excellence, driving innovation in analytical methodologies, and strengthening collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• The position requires a combination of scientific expertise, leadership capability, research experience, business acumen, and a commitment to service excellence.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership and management of Spectrum and its analytical facilities.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the Faculty and University's research objectives.
• Drive the growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement of Spectrum's scientific capabilities and services.
• Identify opportunities for expansion of analytical services, infrastructure, and revenue generation.

Scientific and Facility Management:

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, utilisation, and optimisation of advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance, laboratory safety, and governance requirements.
• Coordinate equipment upgrades, acquisitions, maintenance contracts, and infrastructure development.
• Lead international benchmarking and quality control initiatives to maintain global standards.

Research Support and Collaboration:

• Support academic staff, Researchers, and postgraduate students in experimental design, analytical methodology, data interpretation, and research outputs.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations across the University.
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with national and international research institutions, government agencies, and industry.
• Contribute directly to the Faculty's research productivity through publications, conference presentations, collaborative projects, and postgraduate supervision (where appropriate).

Financial and Operational Management:

• Develop and manage operational budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Oversee service agreements, quotations, invoicing, and cost recovery activities.
• Monitor facility utilisation and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
• Drive external income generation through commercial analytical services and strategic partnerships.

People Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop Spectrum's scientific and technical staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, and continuous professional development.
• Promote effective stakeholder engagement and customer service across all user communities.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF 10) qualification in Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or another relevant experimental science discipline.
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant experience in operating, managing, or leading advanced scientific analytical facilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing sophisticated analytical instrumentation platforms and laboratory environments.
• Proven experience in research support, scientific consulting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Evidence of successful project, operational, and budget management.
• A strong record of scholarly research outputs in peer-reviewed journals.

Recommendations:

• Experience managing a multi-instrument analytical facility or research platform.
• Experience with research infrastructure funding and grant applications.
• Established national and international research networks.
• Experience supervising postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Evidence of successful industry engagement and income generation.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership and vision.
• Strong people management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Sound financial and business management capability.
• High levels of scientific and technical competence.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and research-intensive environment.
• Commitment to service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Deadline:4th September,2026