Job Description

Research Manager
Pinetown
Market Related
 
The Research Manager is responsible for building an appropriate culture of research within the teaching institutions and for promoting the research profile of the registered and accredited higher education institutions. This must be achieved through the creation of a range of research initiatives at campus level in alignment with the Academic Staff Development Framework; managing the delivery of postgraduate programmes and research supervision; and the publication of the Multidisciplinary Journal. Responsible for research databases, journals and resources; as well as research applications and Academic Conditions of Service, the Research Manager will ensure all associated policies govern the development of research at the institution to enhance the quality of our products and services.
 
REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB: RESEARCH MANAGER:
 
A Master’s degree is a minimum requirement but PhD is preferred.
At least five years Academic Management experience in higher education.
Extensive knowledge of research practices and methodologies.
A proven research portfolio with experience in research supervision and research ethics at postgraduate level.
Experience in creating and promoting novice level research initiatives to develop action research and build a foundational research culture.
Technical knowledge and skills in the management of research databases and online peer reviewed journals
Experience in coordinating peer-reviewed journal articles for publication.
Knowledge of the Higher Education Regulatory framework and accreditation criteria
Digital skills of efficient literature searching, data management, communication and collaboration skills, and using digital tools such as, Moodle, Survey Monkey, Nvivo, EndNote, Journal Databases, Turnitin and MS Teams
 
Research Development Initiatives in alignment with the Academic Staff Development Framework
Schedule of annual action research presentations at campus level form academic staff – Promote Action Research on campus and them provide an opportunity to present on it using technology – an Action Research Webinar.
Schedule of Colloquiums a level higher the Action Research presentations – again using technology to present (BlueJeans for the Webinar)
Keep the Research website updated and liaise with Dean of T&L and R&D Manager to incorporate all Academic Development initiatives and not just research as stand alone.
Promote novice academic writing at campus level
Develop a SLP in Academic Writing for staff and other such initiatives.
Use the results and recommendations from the Student and Staff surveys to inform other academic development initiatives.
 
Research Databases, Journals and Resourcing
Manage annual subscriptions to Ebscohost, Juta Stat etc
Train and promote usage
Create access for students and staff to databases and Plagiarism Checker
 
Publication of the Multidisciplinary Journal
Manage the project of the annual publication from start to finish.
Ensures that the papers published are consistent with the editorial mission.
Responsible for overseeing the blind peer-review and editorial review process
Ensures that the journal follows customary ethical policies for scholarly publishing
Reviews the Editorial mission and scope of the journal and consult with the editorial board
Actively promote the journal across the academic group
Intensify the journal online profile on international platforms and engage in other opportunities
Serves as Editor-in-Chief and edit articles for final publication
 
Delivery of Postgraduate Programmes
Ensure 100% compliance with CHE Accreditation Criterion 16: The postgraduate programme is managed properly, offers opportunities for students to develop research competence, and ensures that research is properly assessed. Policies for student admission and selection, criteria for the selection and
appointment of supervisors, and guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and students are effectively implemented.
 
In order to meet the criterion, the following is required at minimum:
The postgraduate programme is managed properly and offers students opportunities to develop research competence. This includes the following:
A senior academic with research and postgraduate supervision experience:
Coordinates research programmes, monitors the progress of postgraduate students and oversees assessment procedures.
Coordinates structured postgraduate programmes, monitors the progress of postgraduate students and oversees assessment procedures.
Training is provided in research skills, including guidance on research design and methodology. Training is also provided in language, writing and numeracy skills, where required. Employment-related skills are developed, where appropriate.
Monitoring and review of the postgraduate system takes place regularly and includes student feedback on the quality of the
learning experience, supervision and support infrastructure.
 
Research is properly assessed, which includes the following (in addition to the requirements for assessment specified in the accreditation criterion
At least one examiner external to the institution is appointed per dissertation/thesis.
Without undermining the principle of assessment based on academic judgement, assessment decisions are made transparently and students are afforded reasonable access to information (e.g. examiners’ reports).
There are opportunities for students to defend their theses (e.g. through an oral defence).
Higher degree committees or similar structures consider examiners’ reports and make considered decisions about examination outcomes.
 
Policies for student admission and selection are effectively implemented.
 
Criteria for the selection and appointment of postgraduate supervisors are effectively implemented, as well as guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and students
 
Academic Conditions of Service(ACS) and Research Applications
 
Review the ACS policy and keep it updated
Process and sign off all academic leave applications and produce annual report on trends of academic leave
Chair the Research Ethics Committee
Process all internal and external Research applications
Develop clear procedures/process for these applications and communicate on these to all campus staff
Research to inform new Product Strategy and Institutional Research
Under the leadership of the Executive Dean, work on researching global and local trends in new offerings to inform new full qualification and short course offerings.
Research for SA and Africa and London but examining and tracking global trends in learning, eLearning, adult education and new programme offerings globally
Explore a range of Open Educational Recourses and MOOC platforms to ascertain trends in product
Institutional Research    
Overseeing the Institutional Research Manager
Implementation of institutional research standard operating procedures for each brand
Ensure 100% compliance with CHE Accreditation Criterion 19
Reviewing IR reports, Comparative Analysis, Market Research
Approval of report analysis for quantitative and qualitative research
Overseeing the Institutional Research Manager
Implementation of institutional research standard operating procedures for each brand
Ensure 100% compliance with CHE Accreditation Criterion 19
 Reviewing IR reports, Comparative Analysis, Market Research
Approval of report analysis for quantitative and qualitative research
Leadership, Communication and Governance
Develop policies, processes and procedures for the Research portfolio
Chair the Research and Postgraduate Committees
Plan, organise and schedule
Report on progress and impact of research initiative to the Dean of Teaching and Learning.
Provide leadership with regards to the development and implementation Research strategy, policies, processes and structure
Ensure that Research policies, processes and procedures are adhered to
To undertake any other duties delegated by the Senior Management
Develop and disseminate academic electronic/mailchimp newsletters
Build and maintain relationships with departments at the institution in sourcing content for academic e-newsletters
Work closely with Executive Deans to develop and strengthen academic communications
 
Please email CV to uhlycd@apply.simplify.hr and quote JB347 in the subject line
For full spec and to apply online https://www.kontak.co.za/research-manager-jobs-durban.php

Skills Required