Associate Professor and Research Director – Community Based Educational Research (COMBER) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Manager of research and research capacity development within the research entity Community – Based Educational Research (COMBER), as well as supervision of post graduate students and supporting staff to develop supervision capacity, conducting practice-led research, and producing research.
• To achieve the goals of the research entity within the university’s research strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preparation and implementation of a strategic research plan for the research entity within the university and faculty’s research strategy.
• Preparation of applications and active actions for the acquisition of funds, facilities and equipment for the research entity through
• independent initiatives and the activation of researchers’ potential in this regard.
• Scholarly guidance, innovation and initiation with regard to research programmes in the research entity.
• Plan and organize ways in which the research entity’s research expertise can be marketed through the entering into income-driven research contracts and the undertaking of research projects for which a market exists.
• Selection of researchers for participation in the programmes in the research entity, and participation in the task agreement planning for these researchers.
• Implement the appropriate quality promotion and insurance systems and mechanisms to ensure high quality research outputs.
• Manage the integration and participation of M & D students in programmes in the research entity.
• Develop own professional and academic leadership and management skills, with a view to high-level academic guidance and research management in the research entity.
• Organization and co-ordination of resources to meet targets, including staff, Master’s & PhD students, finances and equipment.
• Engaged in the planning of staff structures, setting of posts and the appointment and evaluation of staff involved in the research entity.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in Education (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in higher education. 
• A minimum of 5 years’ management experience in the relevant industry/ professional leadership (at least in a programme/subject group or relevant internal or external organisation).
• Evidence of supervising post graduate students (M and PhD level) to completion.
• Proven publication record of at least one article per year in accredited scholarly journals – especially over the last 5 years relevant to the field of Community – Based Educational Research.
• Involvement in two or more teaching and/or research activities at community level e.g., Service to the wider higher education environment (reviewer; consultant; on committees) at national/international level

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Memberships of Higher Education Associations.
• Some collaboration with international communities
• An NRF-rated researcher.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Have a proven and comprehensive publication record – especially over the last 5 years relevant to the field of Community – Based
• Educational Research, including recognition in a citation index.
• Have a proven and comprehensive teaching and research record in higher education with focus on Community – Based Educational

Research.

• Be recognised in his or her scholarly field (with focus on Community – Based Educational Research or related field) as an expert and
• leader, and NRF rating is desirable.
• Have a proven record of successful supervision of master’s and doctoral students.
• Knowledge of the writing of academic articles/books/chapters in related field, for example, Community – Based Educational Research.
• Research skills, interpersonal skills/communication and computer literacy.
• Expert knowledge of analysing and interpretation of Research.
• Have a proven record of attending relevant national and international conferences.
• Proven experience in research management of groups.
• A dynamic and values driven approach with excellent interrelationship skills.
• Proven management skills.
• Proven leadership qualities.
• Proven experience in academic management related to writing of curricula and managing the application and approval processes for qualifications (with a focus on postgraduate qualifications) by required internal and national authorities.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Teamwork.
• Project management.
• Adaptability/Decisiveness.
• Valuing Service and Diversity.

 

Apply by: 24 October 2025