Senior Research Support Officer N003000
Listing reference: nwu_002269
Listing status: Closed
Apply by: 4 December 2023
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Potchefstroom
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)
DIVISION: DVC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
DEPARTMENT: RESEARCH SUPPORT
POSITION NUMBER: N003000
POSITION: SENIOR RESEARCH SUPPORT OFFICER
PEROMNES GRADE: P10
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 3-YEAR FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
This is a position within the University Capacity Development Plan and more specifically the Development of Emerging Researchers project (UCDG 2024 – 2026, Project 8).
This UCDG-funded staff member will be appointed in the Research Support Department to contribute towards creating an enabling environment for the development of researchers and research projects for quality research.
Apart from general research development activities, this appointee will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of the UCDG project: Development of Emerging Researchers with a specific focus on Research Ethics and Integrity-related tasks.
This entails supporting the Director / Manager in providing administrative and secretarial support to the designated research ethics committees within various faculties e.g., management of the research ethics application process, providing support in creating awareness about Research Ethics matters/training and providing research ethics data to the Research Support Coordinator (Research Ethics and Integrity), to be included in the Senate Committee on Research Ethics (SCRE) central database.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Manage research ethics application process:
- Review submission packages of applications to the REC
- Liaison with applicants about the research ethics application process and requirements
- Maintain a record of all research ethics numbers allocated to applicants.
- Ensure applications are included in the correct meeting agenda for review.
- Provide feedback reports to applicants.
- Follow up on rebuttal feedback from applicants to be reviewed.
- Attend/escalate research ethics-related inquires.
2. Administrative Support to Research Ethics Committees (RECs):
- Manage application workflow process as per SoP of the REC
- Arrange REC meetings:
- Drafting the agenda
- Drafting Meeting Minutes
- Consolidating reviewer report
- Intake and follow-up on monitoring report as prescribed by the
- REC per application.
- Issue research ethics approvals
- Process REC decision appeals
- Compile REC report of submitted applications and approvals.
- Load approved ethics numbers on the Varsite Student System (VSS) for Higher Degrees.
3. Monitoring and Reporting on Research Ethics matters/training:
- Manage records and provide evidence, feedback/outcomes and statistics to the UCDG project coordinator.
- Contribute to monthly, quarterly, mid-year and annual reports to the Director RS and UCDG/other stakeholders.
- Attending scheduled meetings as per RSD internal operational planning.
4. Ad hoc tasks:
- Perform ad hoc administrative tasks as assigned by the superior for the general functioning of the organisation unit.
Minimum requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
· A bachelor's degree (NQF level 7) in any field of study.
· A minimum of 1 year’ experience in the higher education sector.
· A minimum of 1 year’ experience in project management.
· A minimum of 1 year’ ethics-related work experience.
RECOMMENDATION:
· An honour’s degree (NQF level 8) in any field of study.
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
· Advanced computer skills or experience working with various data management and quality management software programs
· Should be able to collect and process data into usable reports making use of Excel
· Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, to prioritise ongoing administrative tasks and manage own time well.
· Experience in planning and facilitating workshops for researchers online or hybrid
· Good interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written)
· Structured with attention to detail, and accuracy in data handling and record management.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
· Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
· Client orientated and actively look for ways to help staff and clients and improve processes and systems.
· Analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands.
· Discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
· Experience interacting with stakeholders on various levels.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs MPE Meintjes, Tel: 018 299 4856
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951
CLOSING DATE: 04 December 2023
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.
Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
