Director of Afromontane Research Unit

Duties and responsibilities

• Establish the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) as a flagship research unit at the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State.

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of young and experienced researchers, support staff, post-doctoral fellows, postgraduate students and student assistants.

• Initiate new, especially large and long term, research and development projects in Afromontane research.

• Establish and strengthen collaborative networks with peer research institutions.

• Develop innovative ways to raise funds for current and planned research and development projects.

• Supervise postgraduate students.

• Improve the quality and quantity of research of the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU).

• Oversee and take responsibility for both human and financial resources of the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU).

Inherent requirements

• A doctoral degree or equivalent academic qualifications in the Sciences or Humanities and Social Sciences.

• Extended experience in research.

• The candidate should be an established academic with a sustained record of research outputs and postgraduate supervision.

Required competencies

• Sound interpersonal communication skills.

• Computer literate in MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a team.

Recommendations

• Additional qualifications and/ or experience in management.

• Extended experience in research that focuses on mountainous regions and research management.

Assumption of duties

01 July 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary                                                                                                                                           
The salary scale is available on request. For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact 058 718 5096/7. 

Fringe benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

General
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The University subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific department / division.

Applications may only be submitted online. All applications must be accompanied by the following:

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.

• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).

• A copy of your identity document (ID).

Applications that are incomplete, or sent by fax or e-mail, will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.