Research Coordinator- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
Job Title: Research Coordinator
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Office of the Dean
Faculty: Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Job ID: 6666
Reference Number: 2346
Post Level: 10/11
Employment Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
Assumption of Duty: 1 December 2026
Closing Date: 6 November 2026
Salary: R464,881.91 – R585,070.51 per annum (annual remuneration package, including benefits).
The remuneration will depend on the available budget, relevant work experience and qualifications.
Job Description
The Research Coordinator will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for postgraduate studies and research activities within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
The position requires an organised and detail-oriented individual who can manage postgraduate processes, coordinate research-related activities, support academic staff and students, and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
The successful candidate will also assist with research funding administration, faculty committees, academic governance and the improvement of postgraduate research administration processes.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Postgraduate Academic Administration
Coordinate and administer postgraduate academic processes, including applications and registrations.
Monitor postgraduate student progression and orientation.
Manage student appeals, thesis submissions, examinations and graduation processes.
Ensure that postgraduate administration is conducted in accordance with UFS policies and procedures.
2. Postgraduate Research Administration
Manage research title registrations and approvals.
Capture and maintain postgraduate research data.
Track research submissions and examination processes.
Administer ethical clearance processes.
Prepare and report on research outputs.
3. Master’s and Doctoral Examination Coordination
Coordinate Master’s and doctoral examination processes.
Arrange and manage examiner appointments.
Verify examiner credentials.
Follow up on examination reports.
Coordinate final corrections and arbitration processes.
Manage electronic thesis submissions.
4. Student and Academic Staff Support
Provide administrative guidance to postgraduate students and academic staff.
Respond to research-related queries.
Assist with academic requirements and submission procedures.
Provide guidance on regulatory compliance and postgraduate processes.
5. Faculty Research Activities and Events
Coordinate faculty research activities and events.
Organise research days, conferences and workshops.
Coordinate training sessions.
Assist with the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
6. Committee and Governance Support
Provide administrative support to faculty research and higher degrees committees.
Support ethics committees and related governance structures.
Arrange meetings and prepare minutes.
Follow up on committee decisions and action points.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison
Liaise with faculty leadership and academic departments.
Work with the Centre for Graduate Support.
Coordinate with the Directorate for Research Development.
Engage with the library, international office, funding bodies and external research partners.
8. Research Information and Records Management
Manage postgraduate research information systems and databases.
Administer digital submission platforms.
Maintain accurate postgraduate research records.
Monitor deadlines and submission progress.
Generate regular reports on postgraduate progress, research outputs and completion rates.
9. Research Leave and Internationalisation
Coordinate research leave and sabbatical support.
Assist with internationalisation activities.
Support engaged scholarship initiatives within the faculty.
10. Financial and Funding Administration
Administer postgraduate bursaries and research funding.
Process financial aid requests.
Manage purchase orders.
Coordinate journal and page fee payments.
Administer prize payments.
Process payments to external examiners in accordance with UFS financial policies and procedures.
11. External Examiner Administration
Coordinate the appointment of external examiners and arbitrators.
Manage related administrative processes in accordance with UFS human resource policies and procedures.
12. Process Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve postgraduate research administration.
Streamline administrative processes.
Strengthen quality assurance.
Improve operational efficiency within the faculty.
Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following inherent requirements:
A relevant Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma, BTech degree or postgraduate certificate at NQF Level 7.
At least two years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:
Academic administration.
Postgraduate administration.
Research coordination.
Research support within a higher education institution.
Applicants must demonstrate the relevant qualifications and experience to be considered for the position.
Recommended Experience and Additional Advantages
The following will be advantageous:
Knowledge of the University’s administrative, financial and management systems, processes, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the Faculty’s curricula and UFS General Rules.
A thorough understanding of staff management and leadership.
Sound knowledge of legislation and Acts affecting the higher education sector.
Required Competencies and Skills
The University requires candidates to demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Results Orientated
Ability to set high standards and establish challenging goals.
Ability to work towards achieving successful results.
Ability to adapt to a frequently changing work environment.
2. Strategic Thinking
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work accurately and maintain an organised approach.
Creativity and an open-minded approach to workplace challenges.
3. Business Acumen
Ability to follow rules, policies and work regulations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
4. Leading
High levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Ability to cooperate with colleagues.
Positive attitude and ability to encourage teamwork.
5. Building Coalitions
Confidence when interacting with people in different professional and social situations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.
Salary and Fringe Benefits
Annual remuneration package
R464,881.91 – R585,070.51
Including benefits, depending on available budget, qualifications and relevant experience.
The University also offers the following fringe benefits, subject to specific conditions:
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.