Research jobs in South Africa

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

The core purpose of this job is to conduct institutional research studies, data analyses, ongoing environmental scanning and benchmarking to support evidence-based institutional planning, performance monitoring and reporting.

• Independently plan, design, coordinate, manage and conduct various institutional research projects and/or surveys from conception to completion using various research designs and methodologies.
• Provide quantitative and qualitative analytical support in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the efficacy and impact of institutional strategy.
• Develop and administer measurement instruments for research (e.g. survey questionnaires; interview protocols, etc.)
• Extract data from the various sources and analyse trends using statistical computer software packages to generate cyclical and ad hoc reports.
• Communicate the outcomes of the institutional research and performance monitoring to internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing, using multiple media and communication platforms.
• Conduct ongoing environmental scanning, market research analyses, benchmarking, and literature reviews to identify current and future trends that inform the strategic positioning of the University.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director: Institutional Research and Reporting in the fulfilment of the purpose, philosophy and strategic goals of the Office for Institutional Strategy and the wider University

• A sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in conceptualising and planning institutional research projects and applying qualitative and quantitative research designs and methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering research/measurement instruments, and collecting, capturing, analysing, interpreting, and reporting on data emerging from various research instruments (e.g. survey questionnaires and interview protocols).
• Demonstrated commitment to applying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct as it applies to institutional research in a higher education context.
• Proven ability in applying appropriate computer software packages to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, e.g. Statistica; Stata; SPSS; Excel Data Analysis Toolpack; R; E-Views; MS Office; AtlasTI; NVivo.
• Excellent interpersonal, report writing and presentation skills to communicate research findings and data trends to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate within multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to adhere to tight deadlines with minimal supervision.

• A completed research-based Master’s degree in a relevant discipline or field of study (e.g. Psychology, Economics, Social Sciences, or Education).
• Preferably two to three years’ experience in research and data analysis (in conceptualising, planning, executing, and reporting on research projects, including developing, administering, and analysing research/measurement instruments). Evidence of previous research conducted, e.g. reports, surveys designed etc. must be provided at the interview.
• Note: This position specifically focuses on institutional research (a form of higher education research) and not academic disciplinary research. Candidates need to demonstrate knowledge of higher education and be able to apply their skills to research studies in this field at an institutional level. Institutional Research experience will be an added advantage.
• The following would be an added advantage:
• Proficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g. PowerBI, Tableau) and experience developing/maintaining databases
• Multilingualism
• A PhD