Director : Research & Innovation
Position summary
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Introduction
Job description
DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH & INTERNATIONALIZATION
DIRECTOR: RESEARCH & INNOVATION
PEROMNES P5, 5-YEAR CONTRACT
REF NO: WSU INST 2026/35
The Office of the Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation invite applications from dynamic, visionary leaders for the position of Director: Research and Innovation Department. This senior role will be responsible for spearheading WSU’s research strategy, fostering an environment that enhances innovation, collaboration, and impactful research outputs in alignment with WSU’s Vision 2030. This role will drive the University’s research excellence, align initiatives with institutional and national strategic goals, and establish Walter Sisulu University as a key contributor to knowledge creation, dissemination, and application across diverse fields.
- Develop and implement WSU’s research and innovation strategies in alignment with institutional goals, including the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
- Establish initiatives to enhance research capacity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation among faculties, researchers and students.
- Lead programs in innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization, promoting university-industry partnerships.
- In partnership with the faculties and institutes, drive or support initiatives to realize the University's Strategic Plans.
- Secure external funding and ensure effective grant management to support research excellence.
- Maintain high standards in research ethics, quality assessment, and compliance with legal and intellectual property frameworks.
- Represent WSU’s research interests with government, industry, and academic networks, enhancing collaboration and resource mobilization.
- Promote and advance excellence in research and innovation.
- Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
- A PhD/Doctorate in a relevant academic field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years in higher education or research institution, including at least 5 years in a leadership role involving academic research.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale research projects and securing research funding.
- Strong leadership, strategic vision, and communication skills to support the academic community and leadership in the University's drive to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.
- In-depth knowledge of research ethics, funding mechanisms, and intellectual property rights.
- Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education Sector-Research and Innovation landscape, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strategic leadership and collaborative decision-making abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective engagement with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Financial management and budget allocation experience.
- Strong knowledge of South African higher education regulations.
- High-level research acumen with an ability to support research funding applications.
- Building strategic alliances and partnerships.
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacancies and comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply