Executive Director

DUE: 18 JUL 2025

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

STAFF VACANCY 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following post:

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION DIVISION 

POST: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (1 POST)

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Research and Innovation is responsible for leading and advancing the university’s research agenda and innovation initiatives. This role involves strategic planning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing the university reputation as a leader in research and development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A PhD in Science, Engineering, Social Sciences or relevant field.
• A qualification in business administration or management is an added advantage.
• Relevant certifications in research management, project management or innovation strategy.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in conducting and leading innovative research projects and commercialisation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategies to increase participation in research, innovation and commercialisation.
• Facilitate strategic and mutual beneficial research and innovation partnerships.
• Ensure the protection of research and innovation intellectual property.
• Monitoring the development and progress of research activities in the University.
• Facilitate research and innovation capacity development.
• Ensure research integrity through proper research ethics considerations.
• Creating an efficient Editorial and Publication system.
• Ensure resource stewardship and up-to-date.
• Managing research and innovation grants.
• Business development and commercialisation of innovations from the University.
• Supporting and incubating start-up companies.
• Ensure that research projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Stay up-to-date with the least research and innovation trends and identify and address opportunities for the organisation.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify and address research and innovation needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with external organisations, including academic institutions      and industry partners.
• Present research findings and innovative ideas to ideas to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure that all research is conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and legal requirement.

NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer.  In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY
Applicants must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification and Curriculum Vitae giving full personal particulars including full names, date of birth, qualifications, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact details, names and addresses of three referees addressed to the Deputy Registrar – Human Resource
The application pack should be sent as a single merged pdf file to email address: [email protected]. The subject line should be labelled with the post being applied for.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 18 July 2025. Note that only short-listed candidates will be communicated to.