Research Consultant / Senior Research Consultant (One post) - Department of Statistics

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS

RESEARCH CONSULTANT / SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT (ONE POST)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8/6

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

BACKGROUND:

Latest trends in Statistics are very much influenced by the advances in technology which capture huge amounts of data from almost all aspects of life, business and science. These trends have brought new challenges to the discipline. The Department of Statistics is a participating department of UP Research Institute for Big Data and Data Science. The Institute’s vision is to become a recognized world-class research, education and service delivery facility in Big Data and Data Science taking specific cognizance of the needs in South Africa, and the academic strengths of the University of Pretoria.

A position as Research Consultant/Senior Research Consultant is available. The successful candidate can be appointed at either level depending on his/her expertise and qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

It will be expected of the successful candidate to conduct independent statistical analysis and to assist doctoral and master’s degree students and UP staff with the statistical aspects of their academic research. This includes the analysis of data, advice with respect to the experimental and/or questionnaire design and the interpretation of the results. Recent advances in computing technology and statistical software packages requires the incumbent in this position to ensure that his/her expertise match the challenges of various research staff members at the University of Pretoria. It is expected that the successful candidate shall demonstrate these skills as well as the ability to continually develop him/herself in this field. Therefore, it would be a requirement of potential candidates to participate in a practical simulated evaluation, using SAS and R software, in order to access his/her skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Research Consultant:

• An honours degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics;
• At least one year of advanced experience with:
  • Software programming and data management across different operating system platforms including SAS and R;
  • Computer-based data manipulation and analysis;
  • Statistical consultation and practice.

Senior Research Consultant:

• A Master’s degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics that includes a research dissertation and course work that consists of core components which aligns with the required responsibilities;
• At least three years’ advanced experience with:
  • Software programming and data management across different operating system platforms including SAS and R;
  • Computer-based data manipulation and analysis;
  • Statistical consultation and practice.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• The ability to work accurately under pressure;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Good time management, planning and organising skills;
• The ability to multi-task;
• The ability to think analytically and laterally;
• Appropriate language skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in an academic environment;
• Exposure to quantitative research.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

CLOSING DATE: 12 September 2017

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof Andriëtte Bekker, Tel: (012) 420 2523

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2017, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.