Research Intelligence & Systems Development Officer (AD08)

• This position supports the University’s research enterprise through overseeing the optimisation of research systems and workflows across the institution with a focus on managing existing research systems, developing new systems as required and providing high-quality data analytics, research intelligence, and evidence for decision-making. 
• The role entails both designing, implementing, and monitoring efficient ICT-based research systems and analysing the data they generate. Both components of the role are central to meeting the objectives of the University of the Witwatersrand’s Strategic Plan for Research (2023 – 2027). 
• In advancing this plan, the Research Office seeks to appoint an experienced Research Intelligence and Systems Development Officer to work across and alongside its range of directorates and portfolios that support research (Research Office, Postgraduate and Researcher Development, Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships, Finance, the Library, Grants Management and Research Integrity) by provide project oversight and, design leadership and analytics capacity for existing and possible future deployment of their ICT-based systems.
• The incumbent must be dynamic and analytically minded, with a strong background in systems thinking and demonstrable experience combining digital systems development, research management analytics, and operational optimisation to the Research Office’s existing suite of research systems and develop new research management intelligence capacity thereto as required.
• Currently, the Research Office relies on a range of research systems, the data generated by which are harvested to provide its research intelligence. These include, but are not limited to, the Research Outputs Collection System (ROCS), Graduate Research Management System (GRM), the postgraduate funding portal, the Infonetica Ethics Management System, and the Scopus and Web of Sciences databases. However, in accordance with its strategic plan, the Research Office aims to integrate the research intelligence provided by these systems and develop new research management systems as needed. 

Brief Description        
Requirements for the job:

• Master’s in mathematics and Statistics, Data Science or cognate field with demonstrable proficiency in quantitative analysis 
• Demonstrated at least 1 year of experience in business analysis, data analytics, reporting, or business intelligence.
• Experience with research information systems or data platforms (e.g., InCites, SciVal, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated capability in Power BI (data modelling, DAX, publishing, governance) and delivering decision-ready dashboards and reports.
• Experience in higher education, research management, or the academic research ecosystem.
• Strong technical skills, including data extraction, analysis, and visualisation.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into clear insights for diverse stakeholders (technical and non-technical).
• Experience in systems development, testing, and integration of workflow automation, or digital transformation projects.

Key result areas:

• Provide basic and advanced analytics relating to research, staff, student, and financial data to facilitate research management excellence at the     University.
• Integrate, design, implement and monitor ICT-based research management systems to facilitate research excellence at the University.
• Engage with stakeholder groups to understand their information requirements and develop, research intelligence and system development processes, and     resources to meet their needs.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design, development, and process improvement of research management-related digital systems, workflows, and tools.
• Work with Research Office units, Business Intelligence, Marketing, Wits ICT, the Library, and Faculties to streamline end-to-end research management     processes (e.g. ethics, grants, publications reporting, postgraduate progress tracking).
• Support data governance, system integration, and the adoption of new digital platforms to modernise research administration.
• Troubleshoot system-related issues, document processes, and ensure continuous user-driven improvement.
• Analyse research productivity, impact, collaboration patterns, and benchmarking data using systems such as Scopus, Web of Science, SciVal, InCites,     and internal databases.
• Produce high-quality research management intelligence reports to support strategic planning, decision-making, and performance monitoring.
• Develop dashboards, indicators, and visualisations that enhance insight into research trends and performance.
• Assist with institutional reporting (DHET, NRF, Council, Senate, SET), research audits, and compliance requirements.
• Contribute to special projects related to research management intelligence, postgraduate systems, and innovation in research management.
• Engage stakeholders across faculties and support units to promote a data-driven culture.

Deadline:14th October,2026