6 Laboratory Director jobs in South Africa

Research Director - Opentia Research Unit (PD0008)

Join the North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit as a Research Director - Opentia Research Unit (PD0008).

Position Summary

The Research Director will be responsible for supporting and mentoring research entity members, managing higher degree processes, and building the research capacity of higher degree students. The successful candidate will also be required to lead and conduct research projects, seek national and international collaborative research networks, and identify external funding opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and implementation of a strategic research plan for the focus area within the research strategy of the University and the Faculty.
• Jointly accountable with the faculty research team for the successful implementation of the NWU Research and Innovation strategy.
• Establishing and maintaining a sound culture of research and innovation in the Research Entity by leading and providing guidance to staff and students.
• Drawing up and developing funding proposals for third stream income to support research from the Research Entity.
• Organisation and coordination of resources for achievement of goals of the Research Entity.
• Planning and organisation of ways to market the research expertise of the focus area.
• Participation in the task agreements of faculty members belonging to the research entity.
• Involved with the planning of staff structures, establishment of positions and the appointment and evaluation of staff involved in the research entity.
• Implementation of applicable quality promotion and assurance systems and mechanisms to ensure high quality research and higher degree outputs.
• Management of integration with and participation of M and D students in programmes in the focus area / unit.
• Drive community engagement initiatives that are integrated with research and innovation with the research entity, aligned to Faculty and University Strategy and Plan.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in any field of Humanities.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ research management experience as a programme leader or higher level.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ postgraduate supervision experience with a minimum of 3 PhD students completed and a minimum of 3 Master students completed.

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Expert knowledge and experience in any humanities’ research related fields.
• Expert knowledge of inter- and multidisciplinary methodological approaches.
• Proven experience in research management of groups.
• Proven record in fund-raising and management of donor funding.
• Experience in project management.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Proven leadership qualities.
• A dynamic and value-driven approach with excellent interrelationship skills.
• Proven Management skills.
• Open-mindedness.

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 : Prof. Mirna Nel on or Mr. Lionel Ektseen on .

CLOSING DATE : 12 October 2025.

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES : As soon as possible.

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.

POSITION: CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Organisation: Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) Conservation Research

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

About Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) Conservation Research

Sabine Plattner African Charities NPC (SPAC) is a South African non-profit organization dedicated to influencing and supporting the conservation of rainforests, wilderness, and protected areas in Africa. SPAC achieves this by supporting the livelihood strategies of local communities through education and science, promoting school curricula with enriched afro-centric conservation-related content. SPAC operates in multiple African countries, including Congo, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Gabon, and South Africa. Founded in 2008 by Sabine Plattner and funded by the German Hasso Plattner Foundation, SPAC is committed to creating empowered communities that co-exist with nature.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research and Conservation Program Director to lead the growth of the SPAC Research Division, transforming it into an internationally recognised research institute. Guided by SPAC's vision of "Africans bringing knowledge about Africa to the world" , the Director will champion sustainable, community-driven, and policy-informed strategies to ensure the long-term protection and enrichment of the Congo Basin rainforest.

This is a full-time position based in Cape Town with significant travel requirements. The role will involve frequent visits to the northern Republic of Congo, particularly Odzala-Kokoua National Park, as well as international travel for conferences and strategic networking. Candidates should anticipate up to 180 days of travel annually.

The Program Director will play a pivotal role in shaping SPAC's research agenda, driving innovation, and establishing new standards of research excellence in one of Africa's most vital ecosystems.

Reports to SPAC Chief Executive Officer & Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Proactively collaborate, maintain and newly establish partnerships with distinguished Research Professionals and Professors from ranging institutions and organisations.

· Comfortably interact at a Governmental level, engaging with Ministers and other government representatives in the Republic of Congo, South Africa and neighbouring countries.

· Equally comfortably interact with personnel at all education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds.

· Develop, implement and measure long-term impact.

· Unlock opportunities for groundbreaking research opportunities.

Operational Management

· Oversee the management of day-to-day operations of the entire SPAC Research programme, including human resources, IT, facilities, public relations and administrative functions.

· Implement the management structure at the Congo-based SPAC Research Station so that it may function seamlessly without your continued presence on-site.

· Ensure that no communication shortfalls exist between the Cape Town and Congo-based offices.

· Submit high quality reports and proposals, always meeting submission deadlines.

Financial & Compliance Oversight

· Plan the SPAC Research program budget and oversee resource allocation.

· Guarantee compliance with all relevant governmental regulations, university agreements, and permits across all jurisdictions, specifically in Germany, South Africa, and the Republic of Congo.

Talent Management

· Lead talent management initiatives, including recruitment, retention, and staff development.

· Expand upon and coordinate with SPAC's Science Committee. Formulate a panel of experts that covers the multi-disciplinary range of research expertise.

· Foster a performance-driven work culture.

Fluency in English is required, yet fluency in both French and English is strongly preferred.

Qualifications & Experience

· A PhD in Science. Specialisations in One Health, Anthropology, Primatology, Conservation, Rainforests and/or Genomics is preferred.

· 10+ years of experience in a senior leadership role, in a research- focused institution, or non-profit organisation, and preferably with operations in tropical forest and in the rural Africa.

· Proven experience in managing strategic initiatives within a diverse organisation that is spatially separated, and across a range of multi-disciplinary research topics.

· A distinguished track record of research publications and conference participation.

Key Skills & Competencies

· Leadership: Strong visionary leader with a track record of driving strategy and operations in a complex and remote environment.

· Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Be able to easily grasp and engage in-depth in a wide range of research topics.

· Innovation: A creative and forward-thinking mindset to develop and implement new initiatives that drive SPAC's mission.

· Collaboration: Excellent ability to work cross-functionally with staff, students and interns. Skilled at engaging with academic professionals, government officials and industry partners for impactful research outcomes.

· Financial Acumen: Expertise in managing large-scale budgets and ensuring resource optimisation.

· Adaptability: Ability to navigate and lead change in a dynamic environment.

To Apply:

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. If you have a deep passion for the rainforest, conservation and a strong background in a scientific discipline that relates to the SPAC vision, we encourage you to apply.

Interested candidates can submit their CV including references and certificates compiled as one pdf and a short cover letter to Please include "SPAC CR Director Application – (Your Name)" in the subject line

Job Type: Full-time

Language:

• French and English bilingual (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

About the Role

Grade Level (for internal use) :

The Role : Technical Research Associate Director (Basin Researcher)

The Impact : Upstream Solutions from S&P Global Commodity Insights comprise some of the most extensive and complete information analytics insight and advisory services in the world. We deliver oil and gas databases and software energy transition insight energy supply and demand forecasts and comprehensive data on transactions at the global and regional market levels. S&P Global Upstream Solutions Basins Product requires a researcher to provide detailed geological information and insight at the basin scale. The researcher will collaborate with the wider team within Upstream Solutions to help provide industry leading content and upstream intelligence enabling the client to make critical investment decisions.

The Team : The Basin Researcher team operates on a global scale with members located in key regions including researchers in Tetbury, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Rio de Janeiro and London. This diverse setup requires strong collaborative and teamwork ethics as the chosen candidate will work closely with these globally dispersed colleagues to deliver impactful research and insights. Our team values innovation and is committed to supporting each member's professional development.

• Lead and manage basin research activities focused on Africa ensuring comprehensive editorial content for the basins product.
• Develop and implement research methodologies to deliver high-quality analysis and insights specific to the Africa region.
• Collaborate with global and regional teams to ensure alignment and integration of research findings.
• Present research insights to stakeholders and contribute to strategic decision-making processes.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers to enhance team capabilities and performance.
• Identify and explore new research opportunities to drive innovation and product development.

• A minimum of a Bachelors degree in Geology, Geophysics or a related field.
• Extensive experience in basin research, particularly within the African region.
• Proven track record of managing research projects and delivering editorial content.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex geological data.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal in English.

• Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in Geology, Geophysics or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with basin research methodologies specific to Africa.
• Proficiency in using geological software and tools for data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and innovate in research projects and product development.

At S&P Global Commodity Insights our complete view of global energy and commodities markets enables our customers to make decisions with conviction and create long-term sustainable value.

We are a trusted connector that brings together thought leaders, market participants, governments and regulators to co-create solutions that lead to progress. Vital to navigating Energy Transition, S&P Global Commodity Insights coverage includes oil and gas, power, chemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping.

S&P Global Commodity Insights is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow today.

For more information visit In It For You

Progress is not a self-starter. It requires a catalyst to be set in motion. Information, imagination, people, technology—the right combination can unlock possibility and change the world.

Our world is in transition and getting more complex by the day. We push past expected observations and seek out new levels of understanding so that we can help companies, governments and individuals make an impact on tomorrow. At S&P Global we transform data into Essential Intelligence, pinpointing risks and opening possibilities. We Accelerate Progress.

We’re more than 35,000 strong worldwide, so we’re able to understand nuances while having a broad perspective. Our team is driven by curiosity and a shared belief that Essential Intelligence can help build a more prosperous future for us all.

From finding new ways to measure sustainability to analyzing energy transition across the supply chain to building workflow solutions that make it easy to tap into insight and apply it. We are changing the way people see things and empowering them to make an impact on the world we live in. We’re committed to a more equitable future and to helping our customers find new sustainable ways of doing business. We’re constantly seeking new solutions that have progress in mind. Join us and help create the critical insights that truly make a difference.

Integrity, Discovery, Partnership

At S&P Global we focus on Powering Global Markets. Throughout our history the world's leading organizations have relied on us for the Essential Intelligence they need to make confident decisions about the road ahead. We start with a foundation of integrity in all we do, bring a spirit of discovery to our work and collaborate in close partnership with each other and our customers to achieve shared goals.

Benefits

We take care of you so you can take care of business. We care about our people. That’s why we provide everything you and your career need to thrive at S&P Global.

Our benefits include:

• Health & Wellness : Health care coverage designed for the mind and body.
• Flexible Downtime : Generous time off helps keep you energized for your time on.
• Continuous Learning : Access a wealth of resources to grow your career and learn valuable new skills.
• Invest in Your Future: Secure your financial future through competitive pay, retirement planning, a continuing education program with a company-matched student loan contribution and financial wellness programs.
• Family Friendly Perks: It’s not just about you. S&P Global has perks for your partners and little ones too with some best-in-class benefits for families.
• Beyond the Basics : From retail discounts to referral incentive awards—small perks can make a big difference.

For more information on benefits by country visit: Hiring and Opportunity at S&P Global

At S&P Global we are committed to fostering a connected and engaged workplace where all individuals have access to opportunities based on their skills, experience and contributions. Our hiring practices emphasize fairness, transparency and merit, ensuring that we attract and retain top talent. By valuing different perspectives and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration we drive innovation and power global markets.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

If you receive an email from a domain or any other regionally based domains it is a scam and should be reported to. S&P Global never requires any candidate to pay money for job applications, interviews, offer letters, pre-employment training or for equipment/delivery of equipment. Stay informed and protect yourself from recruitment fraud by reviewing our guidelines, fraudulent domains and how to report suspicious activity here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

S&P Global is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military veteran status, unemployment status or any other status protected by law. Only electronic job submissions will be considered for employment.

If you need an accommodation during the application process due to a disability please send an email to: and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

US Candidates Only : The EEO is the Law Poster, discrimination protections under federal law. Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision - Middle Professional Tier II (EEO Job Group)

Required Experience

Director

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience, Python, Spss, Microsoft Word, R, Regression Analysis, Windows, Stata, Microsoft Powerpoint, Research Experience, Data Modeling, Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

POSITION: CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Organisation:
Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) Conservation Research

Location:
Cape Town, South Africa

About Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) Conservation Research

Sabine Plattner African Charities NPC (SPAC) is a South African non-profit organization dedicated to influencing and supporting the conservation of rainforests, wilderness, and protected areas in Africa. SPAC achieves this by supporting the livelihood strategies of local communities through education and science, promoting school curricula with enriched afro-centric conservation-related content. SPAC operates in multiple African countries, including Congo, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Gabon, and South Africa. Founded in 2008 by Sabine Plattner and funded by the German Hasso Plattner Foundation, SPAC is committed to creating empowered communities that co-exist with nature.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research and Conservation Program Director to lead the growth of the SPAC Research Division, transforming it into an internationally recognised research institute. Guided by SPAC's vision of
"Africans bringing knowledge about Africa to the world"
, the Director will champion sustainable, community-driven, and policy-informed strategies to ensure the long-term protection and enrichment of the Congo Basin rainforest.

This is a full-time position based in Cape Town with significant travel requirements. The role will involve frequent visits to the northern Republic of Congo, particularly Odzala-Kokoua National Park, as well as international travel for conferences and strategic networking. Candidates should anticipate up to 180 days of travel annually.

The Program Director will play a pivotal role in shaping SPAC's research agenda, driving innovation, and establishing new standards of research excellence in one of Africa's most vital ecosystems.

Reports to SPAC Chief Executive Officer & Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Proactively collaborate, maintain and newly establish partnerships with distinguished Research Professionals and Professors from ranging institutions and organisations.
• Comfortably interact at a Governmental level, engaging with Ministers and other government representatives in the Republic of Congo, South Africa and neighbouring countries.
• Equally comfortably interact with personnel at all education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Develop, implement and measure long-term impact.
• Unlock opportunities for groundbreaking research opportunities.

Operational Management

• Oversee the management of day-to-day operations of the entire SPAC Research programme, including human resources, IT, facilities, public relations and administrative functions.
• Implement the management structure at the Congo-based SPAC Research Station so that it may function seamlessly without your continued presence on-site.
• Ensure that no communication shortfalls exist between the Cape Town and Congo-based offices.
• Submit high quality reports and proposals, always meeting submission deadlines.

Financial & Compliance Oversight

• Plan the SPAC Research program budget and oversee resource allocation.
• Guarantee compliance with all relevant governmental regulations, university agreements, and permits across all jurisdictions, specifically in Germany, South Africa, and the Republic of Congo.

Talent Management

• Lead talent management initiatives, including recruitment, retention, and staff development.
• Expand upon and coordinate with SPAC's Science Committee. Formulate a panel of experts that covers the multi-disciplinary range of research expertise.
• Foster a performance-driven work culture.

Fluency in English is required, yet fluency in both French and English is strongly preferred.

Qualifications & Experience

• A PhD in Science. Specialisations in One Health, Anthropology, Primatology, Conservation, Rainforests and/or Genomics is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in a senior leadership role, in a research- focused institution, or non-profit organisation, and preferably with operations in tropical forest and in the rural Africa.
• Proven experience in managing strategic initiatives within a diverse organisation that is spatially separated, and across a range of multi-disciplinary research topics.
• A distinguished track record of research publications and conference participation.

Key Skills & Competencies

Leadership:
Strong visionary leader with a track record of driving strategy and operations in a complex and remote environment.

Analytical Thinking:
Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Be able to easily grasp and engage in-depth in a wide range of research topics.

Innovation:
A creative and forward-thinking mindset to develop and implement new initiatives that drive SPAC's mission.

Collaboration:
Excellent ability to work cross-functionally with staff, students and interns. Skilled at engaging with academic professionals, government officials and industry partners for impactful research outcomes.

Financial Acumen:
Expertise in managing large-scale budgets and ensuring resource optimisation.

Adaptability:
Ability to navigate and lead change in a dynamic environment.

To Apply:

This is a
full-time
position with
competitive compensation
and benefits. If you have a deep passion for the rainforest, conservation and a strong background in a scientific discipline that relates to the SPAC vision, we encourage you to apply.

Interested candidates can submit their CV including references and certificates compiled as one pdf and a short cover letter to

Please include "SPAC CR Director Application – (Your Name)" in the subject line

Rhodes University

Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Permanent

Posted 11 September Closing Date 19 September 2025

Division

0307 - Secondary and Post School Education

Minimum experience

Not Applicable

Company primary industry

Higher Education

Job functional area

Education

Salary

R R per annum

Readvertisement: Director: Environmental Learning Research Centre at the level of Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer

Department of Secondary and Post School Education, Environmental Learning Research Centre

The Department of Secondary and Post School Education, Environmental Learning Research Centre, invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

At Rhodes University, all programmes contribute to the university's mission to be foremost in generating and advancing locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge that seeks to create a just and sustainable society.

Within this broader mission, and aligned with the vision and mission of the University, in the Education Faculty all academics are responsible for the creation and/or co-creation of knowledge (research), sharing of (dissemination), and critical engagement with knowledge (teaching and learning), community engagement and professional involvement in their field beyond the university. With this, we recognise differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments, disciplines, faculties, research centres, and institutes in the faculty and the university more widely. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, faculty, and/or university levels.

In the case of this position, the incumbent will be required to provide academic, administrative, and management leadership roles to enable the sustainability and flourishing of a research centre in the Department of Secondary and Post School Education, namely the Environmental Learning Research Centre. The ELRC is a leading research centre for the study of Environment and Sustainability Education in Africa. Its core objective is 'To facilitate critical and innovative environmental learning and related research for just, transformative societies and sustainable environments in Africa and the global South'. It aims to

• Produce credible knowledge of education, training and social learning practices focusing on African social-ecological contexts and issues.
• Provide tailored educational products and services to enhance educational quality and innovation in Africa and the global South.
• Strengthen and contribute to durable knowledge institutions and African networks promoting social-ecological resilience and sustainability education.
• Promote and disseminate quality knowledge products by African scholars and practitioners on environment, sustainability, and learning.
• Undertake focused advocacy with influential public and development agencies.

The role of the Director of the ELRC will involve inter alia, academic and administrative and management leadership to advance the following areas: teaching and learning; research; community engagement; and partnership building in the field of Environment and Sustainability Education.

The leadership contribution of this position should be evidenced firstly and foremost within the Research Centre, and through this at Departmental, Faculty and Institutional levels. It will involve providing academic (research, teaching, and supervision), as well as professional leadership and administrative management in Directing and leading the research programmes of the Environmental Learning Research Centre, which includes partnership building, fundraising and management to advance the objectives of the Research Centre.

The position will involve collaboration with the two research Chairs currently based in the ELRC, who will also provide mentoring support to the Director in the first few years of the position as required and relevant to the position.

The Requirements:

Associate Professor:

• PhD in Education (Environment and Sustainability Education or closely related education or learning science fields) and at least 5 years of research project/programme management leadership and experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in providing research leadership and research project and/or programme management in the field of Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) / Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) or a closely related education or learning sciences field, with a multi-institutional, national and international focus or reach.
• Research supervision of Master's and PhD degrees will be a strong advantage and/or extensive complementary experience supervising complex research teams and projects involving post-graduate scholars at an international level with more complex partnership structures.
• Emerging international profile in the field.
• Teaching in Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) / Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) or a closely related field, preferably at post-graduate levels.
• Track record of administration, management, and project management leadership roles, including project or programme fundraising, programme management and management of strategic partnerships in project, programme and/ or institutional contexts.
• The ability to speak more than one South African language will be an advantage.

Senior Lecturer:

• PhD in Education (Environment and Sustainability Education or closely related education or learning science fields) and at least 3 years of research project/programme management leadership and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in providing research leadership and research project and/or programme management in the field of Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) / Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) or a closely related education or learning sciences field, with a multi-institutional, national and international focus or reach.
• Research supervision of Master's degrees will be a strong advantage and/or extensive complementary experience supervising complex research teams and projects involving post-graduate scholars at the national level with smaller groups of partners.
• National profile in the field.
• Teaching in Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) / Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) or a closely related field, preferably at post-graduate levels, may also include teaching in professional and/or community-engaged contexts and/or undergraduate level.
• Track record of administration, management, and project management leadership roles, including project or programme fundraising, programme management and management of strategic partnerships in project, programme and/ or institutional contexts.
• The ability to speak more than one South African language will be an advantage.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile and

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application, please email

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2025.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade AP):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R936 120

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R

Remuneration per annum (Grade SL):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 19 September 2025

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.