Research Director

**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**

**Minimum Requirements**:
**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.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
**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; and
- 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.
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**Applications should include**:

- 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.
- Details of three first
- or sole-authored publications.

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

**Application Instructions**:

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

**The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.**

**APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED