DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (DRI)
HEAD: RESEARCH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 4
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of South Africas top research-intensive universities, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex global and local challenges. As one of the largest producers of research, postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training in the country, UP supports a vibrant research ecosystem through strategic platforms like Future Africa and is home to the highest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers.
In pursuit of excellence and transformation, the University of Pretoria invites applications from experienced and visionary individuals for the position of Head: Research Capacity Development (RCD) in the Department of Research and Innovation (DRI). This is an exciting opportunity to lead and influence UPs research support and capacity-building agenda.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Director: Research and Innovation, the Head: Research Capacity Development provides strategic leadership in fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for researchers across all career stages. The incumbent will play a critical role in enabling the Universitys research ambitions by driving institutional strategies for researcher development, capacity building, external funding support, and national competitiveness.
Responsibilities
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The ideal candidate will demonstrate;
- In-depth knowledge of the South African higher education and national research landscape;
- Advanced understanding of researcher development frameworks and academic career pathways;
- Proven leadership, team-building, and mentoring capabilities;
- High-level strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
- Excellent communication, report writing, and stakeholder management abilities;
- Ability to manage complex budgets, institutional systems, and multi-stakeholder initiatives;
- Proficiency in digital systems for research information and performance management (e.g., NRF portals, RIMS).
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbents level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.
In Applying For This Post, Please Attach
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications;
- Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Mrs M Molema, email: maryjane.molema@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Adv L Baloyi, email: lawrence.baloyi@up.ac.za , for enquiries relating to the post content.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
