Careers at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

The incumbent will be responsible for:

Preparing for fieldwork including;

• Generating and verifying inventories, stock taking, and restocking of fieldwork consumables;
• Ensuring that all equipment is clean and in working condition;
• Coordinating packing and unpacking of field equipment and supplies at campus and in the field;
• Overseeing maintenance, cleaning and disinfection of all field equipment;
• Assisting with procurement of field equipment and supplies;
• Coordinating accommodation and food for field visits;
• Coordinating the maintenance and using of field vehicles and trailers according to UP policies;
• Overseeing field store rooms and keeping inventories up to date.

Fieldwork related activities to collect data and samples from animals

• Being present at all fieldwork activities;
• Ensuring and reviewing data sheets to ensure that it is correctly completed;
• Completing all environmental, site data and climate data;
• Collecting from environmental samples from bat roosts;
• Collecting of all climate data;
• Collecting of movement and tracking data;
• Coordinating disinfection of biohazardous equipment and supplies;
• Coordinating waste management linked to fieldwork;
• Coordinating return of samples to biobanks after collection;
• Coordinating and assisting with the entering of all field data into the database;
• Collecting of biological samples from small mammals;
• Collecting of morphometric data from small mammals.

Assist in administrative duties specifically;

• Providing training to other staff and students where needed;
• Assisting with the administration of fieldwork SOPs (formatting, updating, editing);
• Assisting with the analysis of environmental and ecological data where needed;
• Assisting with research report and grant writing where needed;
• Assisting with preparation of permits and other regulatory permissions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc/BTech in Zoology or Ecology or a related field
• Experience in working with mammals, trapping and handling methods, fieldwork and coordination of fieldwork
• Excel and other statistical analyses experience
• A valid driver’s license
• SAVC registered

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintenance and general daily tasks and repairs:

• Maintaining and managing medical/dental equipment and minor medical/dental assets, including theatre vacuum systems, to prevent downtime and optimize patient care;
• Maintaining electrical, water and clean air pressure to dental equipment;
• Maintaining and updating the asset register regularly, conducting asset verification annually and implementing technical and maintenance processes according to quality standards, and assist in the procurement process of new clinical equipment/ parts thereof by providing guidance and support.

Coordination and supervision: 

• Supervising all contractors on safety regulations and service rendering whilst working on-site;
• Doing inspections on work order after completion and ensuring that the work is done satisfactorily;
• Receiving all work order requests from the end user; register, log calls for the work order at one stop.

Training: 

• Providing ongoing in-service training to personnel and students on handling of equipment to avoid frequent equipment breakages including general self-help tasks;
• Assisting with training on occupational safety linked to equipment/machinery.

Administration: 

• Preparing/ Collating and monitoring the maintenance plans for all equipment in the facility and the training platform;
• Obtaining quotes for spares needed for repairs and maintenance from companies in line with the approved maintenance plans and procurement plans;
• Sending purchase orders for spares to suppliers.

After hours assistance:

• 24 Hour service rendering in case of emergency repairs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• National Diploma in Electrical or Relevant bachelor's in electrical /BTech degree in a relevant field;
• Three years trade test in the relevant engineering discipline.
• Wireman’s license (Electrician only)

 Three years’ experience in:

• Managing/maintaining dental equipment in a hospital or a dental practice environment;
• Electrical/Plumbing;
• Pneumatic experience
• Repairing/ maintenance of dental chairs.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will be responsible for: 

• Undergraduate and postgraduate lecturing in Business Management;
• Supervision of postgraduate students;
• Scientific research and publication in the field of Business Management;
• Academic administration;
• Supervision of tutors;
• Community engagement (community programmes, short courses and consultation); 
• Liaison with students, parents and stakeholders.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A doctorate in Business Management;
• At least 3 year’s relevant tertiary teaching experience and demonstrated competence;
• At least 2 accredited publications and/or equivalent recognised scholarly outputs (accepted and/or published);
• At least 2 completed Master’s students or involvement with PhD supervision or appropriate industry experience;
• Evidence of professional/academic citizenship engagement.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings;
• A record of successful supervision of students at postgraduate level;
• Experience in lecturing to and management of large student groups;
• Experience in blended learning practices;
• Exposure to guidance of postgraduate students’ research;
• Involvement in research activities;
• The potential to develop into a scholar in the discipline.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Operating system installation and maintenance:

• Coordinating with HPC administrators, engineers, and other IT staff to resolve complex system issues, plan for upgrades, or implement new systems and tools;
• Monitoring and coordinating the implementation of patches, updates, and security fixes to ensure the stability and security of the system;

Cluster task management, system installation and maintenance:

• Deploying, configuring, and managing cluster task (queue) management software to allocate computing resources efficiently;
• Monitoring system performance and optimising cluster utilisation; 

Cluster storage and internal network management:

• Administering storage solutions for high-performance data access and storage;
• Allocating and managing storage resources according to research requirements;
• Implementing backup and disaster recovery strategies to safeguard research data;

Security and compliance:

• Ensuring that users adhere to security protocols, and that the system remains compliant with relevant policies, including access control and data protection;
• Reporting on detected security incidents;

User and front-end management:

• Providing user support and assistance in accessing and utilising HPC resources;

Documentation development and training:

• Developing and maintaining comprehensive documentation for HPC system configuration, usage, and troubleshooting procedures;
• Conducting training sessions and workshops to educate researchers on HPC best practices and utilisation techniques;

HPC application support:

• Assisting users with software installation, job submissions, performance optimisation, and resolving issues encountered on HPC systems;
• Diagnosing and resolving technical issues with hardware, software, or job execution. This includes resolving problems related to system crashes, slow performance, or software errors;

Liaison with stakeholders:

• Collaborating with faculty members, researchers, and other stakeholders to understand their computational needs and requirements;
• Communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant Bachelors/BTech degree; with

A total of four years’ experience in:

• Linux system administration and shell scripting;
• Basic network administration;
• Basic software development and implementation;

OR

• A relevant three-year National Diploma; with

A total of six years’ experience in:

• Linux system administration and shell scripting;
• Basic network administration;
• Basic software development and implementation.

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The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Teaching at second-year or third-year level for astronomy courses;
• Supervision of Honours, MSc and PhD students within the astronomy group;
• Pursuing an independent research programme aligned with MeerKAT, the upcoming SKAO and other leading cm-wave radio telescopes, which may include multiwavelength synergies. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD in Astronomy or related fields;
• Teaching experience at undergraduate and/or honours levels.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Strong expertise in observational radio astronomy science/techniques and/or VLBI;
• Familiarity with astronomical data analysis, AI/ML techniques;
• Evidence of attracting independent research funding;
• Successful supervision at PhD and/or Postdoctoral level.

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The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Presenting lectures and practical sessions to undergraduate students in Pasture Science/Rangeland Management and Applied Plant and Soil Sciences modules;
• Presenting lectures and practical sessions to Honours students in Pasture Science/Rangeland Management modules;
• Developing a robust research programme with postgraduate supervision in sustainable climate smart pasture science or rangeland management/ecology;
• Teaching curriculum development, when required;   
• Contributing to community engagement projects. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Senior Lecturer: 

• Relevant PhD degree in Pasture Science or in a related discipline with a relevant BSc or BSc (Agric) degree that included Pasture Science or Rangeland Management/Ecology module content;
• Two (2) years teaching experience at undergraduate level;
• Evidence of postgraduate supervision as main supervisor of at least one graduated Masters student in a relevant field;
• Research output, research skills and/or a proven record of research publications in accredited journals or presentation in local conferences as appropriate for the relevant level of appointment, specifically, in the field of pasture science or rangeland management/ecology;
• Evidence of successful research grant funding applications;
• Intent to obtain a National Research Foundation Rating (NRF) rating in the next three years.

Lecturer:

• Relevant PhD degree in Pasture Science or in a related discipline with a relevant BSc or BSc (Agric) degree that included Pasture Science or Rangeland Management/Ecology module content;
• A minimum of one (1) year of teaching experience at undergraduate level;
• Evidence of postgraduate supervision;
• Research output, research skills and/or a proven record of research publications in accredited journals and presentation at local conferences as appropriate for the relevant level of appointment, specifically, in the field of pasture science or rangeland management/ecology;
• Intent to obtain a National Research Foundation Rating (NRF) rating in the next five years.

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Pre-Award Administrative Support:

•  Assisting with the preparation and dissemination of call documents;
• Communicating with USDP managers about the outcome of the screening;
• Assisting in ensuring that the application review process is completed according to the USDP framework;
• Assisting in the finalization and submission of the funding recommendations to the funder;
• Assisting with on-boarding of USDP mentors and coaches.

Post-Award Administrative Support:

• Completing award letter templates for all approved funding decisions;
• Communicating with universities on funding outcomes;
• Ensuring that grant agreements are fully signed and budget forms are accurately completed;
• Assisting in the disbursement of funds to successful applications.

Monitoring, reporting and financial administration:

• Maintaining accurate records of disbursements or payments to universities, fellows, facilitators and service providers;
• Tracking financial expenditures of recipients’ grants based on bi-annual reports;
• Assisting in updating and maintaining a comprehensive and accurate database of all USDP recipients;
• Preparing summary reports, charts, and data sheets for stakeholder meetings.

Project Administration and Operations:

• Assisting the line manager to co-ordinate strategy development of the USDP programme;
• Monitoring project calendar, planned milestones, deliverables, and activities as agreed by partners;
• Actively participate in the USDP activities such as the mentorship programme, information sessions, induction etc;
• Managing the USDP website and regularly update the website with latest information.

Research Capacity Development Event Support:

• Assisting with planning and logistics of the UCDP Annual Colloquium;
• Disseminating early career opportunities with USDP recipients;
• Provide on-site and virtual support during programme events and ensure proper registration, attendance, and feedback capture;
• Assist with post-event documentation, including report writing, financial claims, and archiving materials.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant National 3-year Diploma;
• 3 Years of experience;
• Experience in general administration in the Higher Education Landscape;
• Good understanding of the higher education system in South Africa;
• Knowledge of the policy and legal framework regulating the South African higher education system;
• Experience in working with donors, foundations and international partners;
• Project administration experience.

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The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic leadership in research capacity development aligned with institutional goals, national research priorities, and global standards;
• Designing and implementing early and mid-career researcher development programmes, including orientation, mentoring, training, and advancement pathways;
• Managing the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and NRF Rated Researcher Portfolio, ensuring quality, compliance, and performance;
• Strengthening the University's research performance by overseeing targeted capacity-building initiatives and externally funded development programmes;
• Leading the development of grant support services, ensuring alignment with funding opportunities and best practices in proposal development;
• Representing the University at national and international platforms, forging partnerships with key stakeholders such as DHET, NRF, government bodies, and industry;
• Overseeing divisional operations, human resources, budgets, risk, compliance, and institutional reporting related to researcher development;
• Fostering innovation in researcher support systems and promote a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and continuous improvement within the RCD team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field;
• At least 8 years’ experience in research support, academic staff development, or capacity building roles within a university; 
• Experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement;
• Familiarity with South African research funding agencies and national policy frameworks.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• A qualification in project management;
• Proven experience in securing research funding;
• Membership of relevant professional associations;
• Familiarity with university systems related to research management, performance monitoring, and research analytics;
• Experience managing complex, externally funded development programmes, including monitoring, evaluation, and reporting;
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing multi-unit research capacity development programmes.

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The Key responsibilities include:

• Identify and qualify high-potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors who align with the University’s strategic priorities and funding needs;
• Develop comprehensive donor and prospect profiles, including financial capacity, philanthropic history, and affiliations, to support leadership and fundraising initiatives;
• Implement a research-driven strategy to build and maintain a strong donor pipeline, using data analytics, prospect scoring, and market intelligence;
• Ensure donor and prospect data is captured accurately, ethically, and in compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and institutional protocols;
• Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to fundraising teams, faculty, and leadership to support targeted campaigns, stewardship, and donor engagement initiatives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s degree; 

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in: 

• Working in a fundraising and donor-focused environment.
• Multiple areas of prospect and market research.
• Data resource utilisation;
• Prospect development;
• Working with donations and sponsorships; 
• Internet searches; 
• Administration related to database utilisation.

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The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Financial management: 

• Monitoring financial aspects during the setup of newly awarded grants;
• Overseeing finances of grant-funded research projects, encompassing budget planning, expenditure forecasting and tracking;
• Submitting payment claims as the designated institutional authority on external awarding agencies’ payment platforms;
• Collaborating with principal investigators and project teams to supervise and manage grant budgets in alignment with grant conditions;
• Monitoring the release of funds and spending levels of NRF grants;
• Compiling monthly financial recons of grants;

Grant proposal and award management:

• Assisting researchers in preparing budgets for grant proposals, ensuring they align with project goals and funding agency guidelines;
• Reviewing grant agreements and contracts to verify compliance with UP policies and the requirements of the awarding agencies;

Compliance and regulatory oversight:

• Staying up-to-date with regulations governing grant management and research funding;
• Preparing and submitting required compliance reports and documentation to funding agencies;
• Recommending improvements on business processes and systems to enhance compliance;

Stakeholder engagement:

• Building and maintaining relations with key stakeholders from internal support departments;
• Liaising with representatives from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and other awarding agencies;
• Collaborating with faculty accountants and the Department of Finance – External Funds, to reconcile grant-related financial transactions with the PeopleSoft Financial system;
• Providing guidance and training to researchers and project teams on grant management, best practices, and compliance requirements;

Record keeping and documentation: 

• Maintaining records related to grant-funded research projects and updating the UP-grant management system accordingly, in line with standard operating processed as drafted;
• Regularly reviewing and updating grant-related documents to ensure they remain accurate and compliant with current regulations and requirements;
• Conducting regular internal audits on grant-related documentation to identify and rectify discrepancies and compliance issues proactively; 

Sub recipient management:

• Evaluating due diligence procedures for potential subrecipients;
• Managing the closeout process for subrecipient agreements, ensuring all financial and reporting obligations are met;
• Establishing ongoing monitoring mechanisms to assess subrecipient performance, identifying issues early, and implementing corrective actions as needed;
• Working closely with legal and compliance departments to ensure all subrecipient agreements are legally compliant with relevant regulations and policies;

Project management:

• Participating and/or leading on ad hoc projects and activities in support of the RCD vision;
• Establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework for grants management and administration at UP.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline; with

A total of three years’ experience in:

• Grant management, financial oversight, or related field;
• Compliance reporting and audit responses;

OR

• National diploma in Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline; with

A total of five years’ experience in:

• Grant management, financial oversight, or related field;
• Compliance reporting and audit responses.