Senior Institutional Researcher

Job title : Senior Institutional Researcher Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria Deadline : January 16, 2026 Quick Recommended Links Jobs by Location Job by industries Key Responsibilities : Transforming complex analyses into interactive dashboards, visualisations, and decision-support tools tailored for executive leaders; Using AI-driven early warning systems to identify at-risk students and high-impact modules; Analysing student and staff profiles not only for current differentiation and targets but also to anticipate future workforce needs and skill requirements; Incorporating external datasets (national systems, global higher education data, labour market intelligence) to benchmark UP’s performance and identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and competitive positioning; Mentoring colleagues in modern analytics approaches, foster a culture of data literacy and promote innovative research practices across the University; Developing and deploying predictive models to project the shape and size of UP’s student body as part of the enrolment planning; Ingesting and analysing diverse datasets (demographics, economic trends, labour market intelligence, competitor institutions, school‑level data; Building simulation tools that integrate financial constraints, staffing capacity, infrastructure, and technology requirements to evaluate sustainable growth options; Deploying advanced analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and automated web-scraping to continuously monitor competitor institutions, global HE trends, policy shifts, and emerging technologies that impact higher education; Building interactive dashboards and real‑time monitoring systems to replace traditional reports, enabling ongoing tracking of faculty and institutional performance against strategic priorities; Enhancing the subsidy model with scenario planning and sensitivity analyses, using AI‑driven forecasting to simulate the financial impact of enrolment shifts, policy changes, and new programme introductions; Automating monitoring of performance indicators through integrated data pipelines; Analysing ranking metrics using comparative analytics, machine learning clustering, and bibliometric tools to identify strengths, gaps, and leverage points for global visibility; Actively collaborate with executive leaders, faculties, and professional service divisions to co-design data‑driven solutions that address institutional challenges and opportunities; Representing UP in national and international institutional research, higher education analytics, and AI / ML in education communities. Minimum Requirements : An Honours degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas; A total of 6 years’ experience; Advanced Analytics and Consultation; Proficiency in Analytical Tools and Programming. Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes) : Statistical analysis (quantitative and qualitative), prediction and interpretation; Knowledge of project management; Development of quantitative solutions; Knowledge of the higher educational sector; Knowledge of machine learning engineering principles; Statistical analysis tools; AI and advanced analytics (Google Cloud, Tensor flow); Interactive dashboard development (Power BI, Tableau); Proven competence in the use of data management and statistical analysis tools; DevOps and Software Development; Strong leadership skills and decisiveness; Ability to maintain high level stakeholder relations; High level of integrity in handling sensitive information; Strong interpersonal skills, highly organised and a keen commitment to excellence; The ability to liaise and communicate effectively on all levels within the organisation and with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures; Strong capacity to identify complex problems, analyse them systematically, and develop practical, data‑informed solutions that balance strategic and operational needs; Ability to anticipate future trends, generate creative solutions, and apply forward‑looking approaches (including digital and analytical innovations) to institutional challenges; Strategic Communication and Collaboration; Ability to work in a team. Added Advantages and Preferences : A Master’s degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas; Experience in Higher Education Contexts; Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) Membership; Experience with DevOps tools and practices for deploying and managing analytics solutions (e.g. AWS, Azure, Docker); Strategic communication and collaboration. CLOSING DATE : 16 January 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr