Research jobs in South Africa

Salary: 35,608.00–37,694.00 with progression to 46,049.00 per annum

Closing Date: 04 January 2026

Newcastle University Business School is seeking a dynamic School Research Manager to lead the delivery of our Research and Impact strategy. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our Research Community where you'll shape policy, drive operational excellence and empower our researchers to achieve world‑class impact.

Newcastle University Business School was established in 2002 building on over 100 years of business education at Newcastle University. Today we continue to drive innovation and leadership in the global business landscape. Our focus is to create a better, more responsible, inclusive and just future for all.

As the School Research Manager you will:

• Lead and develop the Schools Research Professional Services team.
• Provide expert guidance on research and impact policy, funding and governance.
• Oversee the operational delivery of research support ensuring alignment with the Schools vision and strategic goals.
• Champion a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation across all research activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and experienced professional to make a lasting contribution to the Schools research environment. The role is full time and open ended.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Stephanie Gibson (Head of Professional Services – Research).

The Research Manager is a pivotal role within Newcastle University Business School responsible for leading a dedicated research professional services team to advance the Schools vision and strategic objectives. You will operationalise the Schools research and impact strategy, oversee all aspects of research and impact administration, ensure systematic reporting and promotion of research activity. Working closely with the Associate Dean for Research, Head of Professional Services academic colleagues and external stakeholders you will lead on all research‑services related matters and be a key advisor to academic colleagues. This role plays a pivotal part in securing funding, fostering strategic collaborations, preparing for external body reporting such as REF and accrediting bodies and aligning research opportunities with School priorities.

• Lead forward planning of research‑related activities in alignment with the Schools research scholarship and impact strategy.
• Develop and implement administrative systems to support research activity.
• Analyse performance data and produce reports for internal and external stakeholders that comply with GDPR regulations and Freedom of Information Policies.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Research to develop and implement the Schools REF strategy including monitoring outputs and metrics to support REF submissions.
• Manage the Schools research budgets and maintain oversight of financial administration of research grants ensuring compliance with costing and pricing policies to maximise recovery of full economic costs.
• Lead, manage and develop the research professional services team.
• Monitor developments in the external research funding landscape, actively network within and beyond the University and disseminate funding opportunities to relevant staff.
• Support academic colleagues in navigating research systems and processes and deliver researcher development activities in partnership with the Associate Dean for Research.
• Work with academic colleagues and the marketing team to develop and manage research and impact communications for internal and external audiences including social media content.
• Support impact and engagement activities, cultivating strategic relationships with stakeholders at local, national and international levels.
• Ensure research activity aligns with accreditation standards, providing data and documentation for accreditation reports.
• Chair and support relevant committees, ensuring effective operation and communication of actions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the School Faculty and University to deliver strategic objectives, share best practice and contribute to change management initiatives.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support the achievement of the Schools strategic goals.

• A clear understanding of the UK higher education research environment including research funding mechanisms, compliance requirements and the wider policy and governance context.
• Proven experience in delivering strategic objectives and managing complex research‑related workstreams ensuring alignment with Business School priorities and demonstrable outcomes.
• Strong project and financial management skills with experience overseeing budgets, tracking progress and delivering robust impact and performance reporting.
• Ability to analyse and interpret internal and external data to produce high‑quality strategic reports and recommendations supporting senior decision‑making and research performance planning.
• Strong data management, analytical and problem‑solving skills particularly in tracking research impact and supporting REF preparations.
• Comprehensive understanding of the research lifecycle, including translation into policy practice, product or commercial application and familiarity with relevant regulatory and commercialisation pathways.
• Excellent relationship‑building and networking skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships across academic, professional services and external stakeholder communities.
• Experience of leading and developing colleagues, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high‑performing team culture.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and maintain effective administrative and governance systems ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• High level of IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for ongoing learning, sector engagement and application of new knowledge to enhance personal and team performance.
• Demonstrates the ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in the research landscape and to plan proactively in support of Business School priorities.
• Uses data and insight to inform decision‑making, assess performance and drive continuous improvement across research operations and impact activity.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance systems, processes and service delivery through creativity, feedback and best practice sharing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and build rapport.

• Degree or equivalent qualification or substantial vocational experience in a relevant role.
• Ph.D in a subject relevant to the Faculty or equivalent industry experience (Desirable).
• Project management qualification (Desirable).

Newcastle University is a global university where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate support, and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education (REC). We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28895

Experience Level: Manager

Key Skills: Quantitative Research, SPSS, Clinical Research, Data Collection, Clinical Trials, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Survey Design, Qualitative Research, Market Research, Research & Development, Project Coordination.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: 35,608 – 37,694