Research Director

2 weeks ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) Full time

Business Area: Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators - CeSTII

Department: CeSTII

Number of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Minimum Education Level: NQF 10 - PhD Degree or equivalent

Application Closing Date: 04-Apr-2025

Job Category: Management

Job Advert Summary

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research centre within the Human Sciences Research Council dedicated to producing policy-relevant indicators and statistical analysis in the domain of science, technology and innovation (STI).

CeSTII seeks to be a thought leader for STI measurement, with a growing national, African continental and global South footprint, impact and reputation rooted in high-quality research evidence, strong networks of researchers, policymakers and practitioners, and the deployment of cutting-edge research technologies that improve the quality and quantity of output. The work of CeSTII will be supported by an ethos of teamwork and inclusive diversity, shared learning, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

CeSTII is currently looking to appoint a Research Director on a permanent contract to be based in Cape Town. The incumbent must have a PhD and extensive knowledge of policy-relevant research experience in Science, Technology and Innovation measurement.

Research Director (1 Position)

Ref. No: CeSTII RD 03/2025

Key Requirements:

  • A PhD in STI measurement or in a related field such as innovation studies or economics.
  • At least ten (10) years of research and management experience in a research institution or a university.
  • Excellent writing skills in drafting briefing papers, reports, and academic publications for wider public dissemination of research findings.
  • At least 20 peer-reviewed publications (books, book chapters, journal articles), of which several must be international, and several must be first or sole-authored.
  • Strong quantitative research, statistical and data management experience alongside qualitative research capabilities.
  • Experience in securing funding for research.
  • Good research project management experience and the ability and enthusiasm to lead research teams in large multidisciplinary research programs.
  • Skills in managing, mentoring and training team members.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Formulate targeted research proposals and secure funding on a sustainable basis to enable policy relevant, strategic research projects.
  • Implement and manage high quality, large scale, long-term research studies with a focus on social impact.
  • Deliver high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline.
  • Manage the production, preservation and dissemination of high-quality longitudinal datasets.
  • Produce high quality knowledge outputs through publishing in accredited refereed journals, books, and book chapters, and particularly with collaborators on the African continent.
  • Ensure research impact through government and stakeholder engagement, policy briefs and research reviews.
  • Communicate research findings across multiple media platforms and at academic conferences and forums.
  • Develop research skills and competencies through formal and informal training for self and others.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages depending on qualifications and experience.

Applications should include:

  • A cover letter of motivation indicating your area of expertise (clearly marked), your suitability for the position, your goals, and the position you are applying for. Please do not apply for more than one position. You will be contacted if we think you qualify for a higher or lower ranking position.
  • A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and details of your citizenship.
  • The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional affiliation.
  • Details of three first- or sole-authored publications.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please note that applicants may be required to make a presentation pertaining to these positions.

Application Instructions:

  • Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make application for available vacancies.
  • Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents.
  • Attachments must be less than 1MB (here is an on-screen option to resize).
  • The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Enquiries about the nature of the position, and NOT applications, may be directed to:

Director positions – Dr Glenda Kruss at email address

For further information about the HSRC or the post, please consult our website

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its staff complement who are SA Citizens, black, female or disabled.

Closing date: 4 April 2025 We encourage applicants to submit applications prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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