Senior Researcher

**UP Professional and Support**:
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION INNOVATION

ACTION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT

POST TITLE: SENIOR RESEARCHER

PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 007- 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._

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- ** Project Management**
- Develop and manage comprehensive project plans aligned with strategic objectives;
- Manage own projects using platforms such as Asana or MS Project;
- Map interventions and data metrics using frameworks such as the Logical Framework, Design Thinking, or similar.
- ** Research & Analytics**
- Manage institutional research projects within higher education contexts;
- Create and manage measurement instruments for robust data collection;
- Perform gap analyses related to systems, policies, and processes;
- Evaluate outcomes and institutional impact through monitoring and reporting;
- Develop clear, engaging visual reports using tools like Tableau or Power BI;
- Partner with Education Innovation (EI) and Institutional Research and Analytics (IRA) to embed data-driven decision-making into institutional processes.
- ** Technology Management**
- Support key research and academic technologies, including platforms such as the Power BI, Student Feedback systems and Readiness Surveys;
- Utilise research database infrastructure to support research activities (i.e. Snowflake, PSCS, Power BI);
- Assist stakeholders in utilising learning analytics dashboards effectively.
- ** Training & Development**
- Train key stakeholders on internal technologies and dashboards.
- Present findings at conferences and contribute to internal knowledge sharing.
- Collaborate across departments to promote data literacy and ensure data quality.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- Honours degree in a Quantitative and Social Sciences Discipline;
- At least four years of experience in:

- Experience in quantitative research in a tertiary education environment or at a research entity
- Experience with data analysis programming languages (e.g., R / Python)
- Experience with data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI)
- Experience in managing and maintaining research databases infrastructure (i.e. connection, ETL, access and reporting).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

- Knowledge of communicating scientific results and principles to a variety of audiences;
- Knowledge of the Logical Framework, Design Thinking, or similar framework to evaluate outcomes and impact;
- In-depth knowledge of and insight into higher education theory and processes;
- Knowledge of quantitative research methodologies;
- Data analysis and the interpretation thereof;
- Project management (research and development);
- Research Consultant;
- Maintenance of research resources;
- Development and maintenance of databases;
- Quantitative data analysis;
- MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
- Development of assessment instruments for education research;
- Data visualisation and reporting of analytical data for decision-making (e.g. using Power BI);
- Ability to:

- allocate attention and resources to complete multiple tasks simultaneously;
- prioritise tasks to ensure their completion within designated timeframes;
- establish a set of tasks and activities associated with an intended outcome and timeline;
- provide oversight for project(s) and all related activities in that setting to include quality assurance and safety;
- to arrange and assign work to use resources efficiently;
- to develop plans to accomplish work operations and objectives;
- review and study relevant information from various sources to develop new information;
- to weigh alternative actions and make decisions that incorporate opinions, facts, tangible and/or intangible factors;
- Possesses the initiative and drive to set and achieve goals independently

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

- At least four years in:

- Higher Education Experience;
- Microsoft Power Platform, i.e., Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI

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 and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications;

CLOSING DATE: 09 June 2025
- The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity._- The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions._