Faculty of Science 

GENUS: DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences 

Operational Manager 
(3-year full-time appointment renewable, depending on performance and availability of funding.) 

Location: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa 
31 January 2025  

Are you passionate about palaeoscience and keen to play a pivotal role in managing cutting-edge research initiatives? GENUS, a Centre of Excellence funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), invites applications for the position of Operations Manager. 

GENUS is committed to establishing South Africa as a global leader in palaeoscience research by providing research grants, bursaries, fellowships, and supporting science engagement programs. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic individual to lead the Centre’s operations management, coordinate funding initiatives, and contribute to the strategic growth of our programmes.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee and coordinate research projects funded by GENUS, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s strategic objectives.  

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Centre, including administrative support for research grants, bursary programs, and fellowships. Ensure the smooth running of all HR, legal and operational processes. 

• Lead the grant application and review processes, work closely with students and researchers to provide funding opportunities and oversee the allocation of bursaries and fellowships to support emerging researchers. 

• Collaborate with national and international partners to enhance public engagement in palaeoscience. Support the Science Engagement outreach projects and help promote GENUS as a centre for excellence in palaeoscientific education and research. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private funders. Represent GENUS at conferences, workshops, and other strategic events. 

• Contribute to the long-term vision of GENUS by assisting with the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that support the growth of South African palaeoscience on a global stage. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• A Masters degree (or higher) in any Science discipline (preferably Palaeoscience). 

• Or an MBA or qualifications in Project Management 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in research management, operations, or project management preferably within an academic or research environment. 

• Proven experience in grant writing, administration, legal and financial oversight of research projects. 

• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills with a track record of effective stakeholder engagement. 

• A passion for fostering academic excellence and supporting emerging researchers. 

A strong understanding of palaeoscientific research and the South African research funding landscape would be an advantage. 

Why Join GENUS? 

At GENUS, you will have the opportunity to support groundbreaking research in one of the world’s most significant palaeoscientific regions, working alongside leading experts and passionate researchers. Your role will contribute to shaping the future of palaeoscience research in South Africa and beyond. 

Remuneration and conditions of service: A competitive university package with excellent benefits offered, commensurate with the level of appointment. The offer will be a full-time appointment lasting for a period of three years but renewable, depending on performance and availability of funding. 

Application Process: please submit a cover letter explicitly addressing the above, as well as a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees and certified copies of qualifications, as well as a South African ID (Passport if not South African).  

Informal inquiries may be directed to Professor Jennifer Botha (Jennifer.Botha1@wits.ac.za), Director of GENUS: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences, University of the Witwatersrand.  

External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application (Job Posting IRC60891). Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/” Apply for a job”.  

Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to a competency assessment.  

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the university’s relevant employment equity plans and policies. The University retains the right not to make an appointment, to re-advertise and to verify all information provided by candidates. 

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted applicants must be available for a personal or Skype/MS Teams/Zoom interview.  

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment and continue searching after the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Committed to excellence and equity.