Research Integrity Officer and Data Analyst

Job Title

Research Integrity Officer and Data Analyst (post level 8) Job ID: 5973

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Vice-Rector: Research and Internationalisation -> Research Development

Contract Type

Permanent

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Location

Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

14/11/2024

Description

This post was previously advertised as Job ID: 5865. All applications received in response to the previous advertisement will automatically be considered again. Previous applicants therefore do not need to reapply.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Integrity

• Foster a research environment that encourages responsible conduct of research.
• Investigate allegations of research misconduct and questionable research practices.
• Support Research Integrity to implement, raise awareness and upskill the university in matters related to research misconduct and questionable research practices.
• Identify, develop and implement policies related to research integrity.
• Ensure compliance with regulations for handling and reporting research misconduct.
• Receive and evaluate allegations of research misconduct.
• Manage inquiries and investigations as needed.
• Create a database to monitor and report on allegations of misconduct to relevant role players.
• Advocate awareness of research misconduct and questionable research practices and create strategies for identifying, managing and avoiding such practices.
• Provide training regarding Research Integrity issues.
• Service and support of high-level institutional committees.
• Manage the Policy environment (including revision and implementation).
• Run and support processes related to investigations and/or enquiry General landscape of research management.
• Support research ethics and/or integrity norms and standards.
• Support and manage informal inquiries and special investigations committees.

Data Analysis

• Utilise statistical analysis and data visualisation.
• Extract meaningful insights to inform decision-making.
• Manage databases, troubleshoot issues and optimize performance.
• Develop and maintain data collection systems.
• Generate reports based on analysed data.
• Present findings to aid decision-making.
• Manage day-to-day research data sets and reports.
• Develop and undertake data quality checks and merge with other datasets on the server.
• Run data quality checks and liaise with sites regarding data quality and errors.

Inherent Requirements

• Honours degree on NQF Level 8 (or equivalent) in Administrative Law/Bioethics/Applied Ethics background Management Studies/Higher Education Studies/Project Management.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations

• A minimum of 3 years in research management.
• Recognition as a research management professional will be an advantage.
• Research ethics or research integrity at a mid- to senior level, with evidence of having supported or engaged in processes of enquiry or investigation in a Higher Education or Research related space.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Good knowledge of Scival and/or other research databases.
• Excellent Excel knowledge and skills.

Competencies

Required Competencies

• Results oriented.
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

• Strategic thinking.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

• Business Acumen.
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building coalitions.
• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible.

Salary: The salary is available on request.

Fringe Benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9810/ 9813/ 9814/ 7659/ 9848 for assistance.

General: The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.