Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Manager - Department of Research and Innovation

DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PEROMNES POST LEVEL 6 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. 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.

JOB PURPOSE: To provide strategic and operational leadership for postgraduate and postdoctoral development initiatives at the University of Pretoria. The role is responsible for establishing and managing the Doctoral Academy, overseeing postgraduate academic and development support programmes, and managing the full funding lifecycle of postdoctoral fellowships (pre- and post-award).

Additionally strengthening institutional research capacity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Doctoral Academy Establishment and Management: Establishing and operationalise the University’s Doctoral Academy as a central hub for doctoral training and support.; Leading the operational planning, implementation and continuous improvement of the Doctoral Academy in alignment with the strategic direction of the Graduate Support Hub; Implementing the approved strategic framework, governance framework, guidelines and operational plans for the Doctoral Academy; Designing and coordinating structured doctoral development programmes, including supervision support, research skills, and professional development; Monitoring doctoral enrolment, progression, throughput, and completion rates, and implement evidence-based interventions to improve student success; Benchmarking doctoral training practices against national and international best practice; Postgraduate Training Programme Management: Designing, implementing, and managing structured postgraduate training programmes (Master’s and Doctoral levels); Coordinating training workshops, seminars, and capacity development initiatives (e.

g., research methodology, academic writing, ethics, innovation); Collaborating with faculties, supervisors, and service units to ensure alignment of training offerings; Developing and maintaining training curricula, learning materials, and digital platforms for postgraduate support; Monitoring participation, evaluate programme effectiveness, and continuously improve offerings; Driving the operational implementation of digital transformation initiatives to improve service delivery and programme efficiency; Analysing institutional postgraduate performance data and provide operational recommendations; Postdoctoral Fellowship Management (Pre- and Post-Award): Managing the full lifecycle of postdoctoral fellowships, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, contract management, exit processes; Coordinating pre-award processes, including funding calls, application support, and evaluation processes; Overseeing post-award administration, including compliance, reporting, performance monitoring, and renewal processes; Developing policies and guidelines for postdoctoral fellow management; Developing monitoring system for fellowship performance, research outputs, funding utilisation and institutional impact, and provide reports; Research Capacity Development and Support: Developing and implementing initiatives to strengthen postgraduate and postdoctoral research capacity; Supporting faculties in improving postgraduate throughput and research outputs; Facilitating mentorship programmes and peer-learning platforms for postgraduate students and fellows; Monitoring programme quality, institutional performance indicators and research impact, and recommend operational improvements based on evidence; Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders (faculties, supervisors, research offices); Engaging external stakeholders, including funding agencies (e.

g NRF), industry, and international partners; Representing the University in national and international forums on postgraduate and postdoctoral development; Financial & People Management: Managing budgets related to postgraduate programmes and postdoctoral fellowships; Ensuring compliance with University financial policies and external funder requirements; Monitoring expenditure and prepare financial reports; Managing and develop a multidisciplinary team responsible for Graduate Development and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes; Leading change management initiatives and supporting staff through organisational and operational transformation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: B Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Higher Education, Research Management, Public Policy, or related discipline; with A total of three to five years’ experience in: Postgraduate or research management within a higher education or research environment; Proven experience in managing postgraduate programmes or postdoctoral fellowships; Managing multidisciplinary projects and cross functional institutional initiatives; Experience in implementing digital systems, service improvement initiatives and process optimisation; At least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): Knowledge: Higher education systems and postgraduate training frameworks; Postdoctoral fellowship management and funding processes; Research capacity development and supervision support; Strong project management and organisational skills; Policy development and programme management; Technical: Programme design and implementation; Stakeholder engagement and partnership management; Monitoring and evaluation of training programmes; Financial and grant management; Behavioural competencies: Strategic leadership; Strong organisational and planning skills; Stakeholder engagement and partnership management; Communication and influence; Problem-solving and decision-making; Adaptability and innovation.

. ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES: Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Higher Education, Research Management, Public Policy, or related discipline); Knowledge of higher education policies and frameworks (e.g., DHET, NRF); Ability to work across multidisciplinary environments; SARIMA (Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association) Membership.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. 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. CLOSING DATE: 27 October 2026 No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Mr Gojiwe Malobola, Tel: (012) 420 3122 or email gojiwe.malobola@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Dr Pulleng Moleko-Boyce, email pulleng.moleko-boyce@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content. Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2026, 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.