Research Intelligence & Systems Development Officer (AD08)

In brief

**Overview** The University of the Witwatersrand is seeking a Research Intelligence & Systems Development Officer (AD08) to support its research enterprise. This position focuses on overseeing the optimisation of research systems and workflows across the institution, managing existing systems, developing new ones as required, and providing high-quality data analytics, research intelligence, and evidence for decision-making. The role involves designing, implementing, and monitoring efficient ICT-based research systems and analysing the data they generate, which is central to meeting the objectives of the University’s Strategic Plan for Research 2023 – 2027. The Research Office aims to integrate research intelligence from various existing systems, including the Research Outputs Collection System (ROCS), Graduate Research Management System (GRM), postgraduate funding portal, Infonetica Ethics Management System, and Scopus and Web of Science databases, and to develop new research management systems as needed. **What you will do** * Provide basic and advanced analytics relating to research, staff, student, and financial data to facilitate research management excellence. * Integrate, design, implement, and monitor ICT-based research management systems. * Engage with stakeholder groups to understand their information requirements and develop research intelligence and system development processes and resources to meet their needs. * Contribute to the design, development, and process improvement of research management-related digital systems, workflows, and tools. * Work with Research Office units, Business Intelligence, Marketing, Wits ICT, the Library, and Faculties to streamline end-to-end research management processes (e.g., ethics, grants, publications reporting, postgraduate progress tracking). * Support data governance, system integration, and the adoption of new digital platforms to modernise research administration. * Troubleshoot system-related issues, document processes, and ensure continuous user-driven improvement. * Analyse research productivity, impact, collaboration patterns, and benchmarking data using systems such as Scopus, Web of Science, SciVal, InCites, and internal databases. * Produce high-quality research management intelligence reports to support strategic planning, decision-making, and performance monitoring. * Develop dashboards, indicators, and visualisations that enhance insight into research trends and performance. * Assist with institutional reporting (e.g., DHET, NRF, Council, Senate, SET, research audits, and compliance requirements). * Contribute to special projects related to research management intelligence, postgraduate systems, and innovation in research management. * Engage stakeholders across faculties and support units to promote a data-driven culture. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * Master’s in mathematics and Statistics, Data Science or cognate field with demonstrable proficiency in quantitative analysis. * Demonstrated at least 1 year of experience in business analysis, data analytics, reporting, or business intelligence. * Experience with research information systems or data platforms e.g., InCites, SciVal, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or equivalent. * Demonstrated capability in Power BI data modelling, DAX, publishing, governance and delivering decision-ready dashboards and reports. * Experience in higher education, research management, or the academic research ecosystem. * Strong technical skills, including data extraction, analysis, and visualisation. * Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into clear insights for diverse stakeholders technical and non-technical. * Experience in systems development, testing, and integration of workflow automation, or digital transformation projects. **Who should apply** This role is for an experienced, dynamic, and analytically minded individual with a strong background in systems thinking. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience combining digital systems development, research management analytics, and operational optimisation. **Deadline** 14th October, 2026 **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/research-intelligence-systems-development-officer-ad08-university-of-the-witwatersrand Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 1 year of experience.

• SQL
• Power BI
• Tableau

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

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