31 Scientific Research jobs in South Africa

Pizza Hut Africa is looking for a Research & Development leader who is responsible for leading Food objectives and annual operating plans of PH Africa through innovation initiatives as well as ensuring all core ingredients are meeting the brand standard specifications. The role includes leading the development and implementation of food vision, innovation pillars and new products in a highly competitive fast paced environment and ensuring local suppliers can produce key global ingredients in the market with brand standard quality and performance. Core Duties/Responsibilities: Demonstrates a practical approach and knowledge of product development, operational systems, supplier food processing, and unit economics.

• Leads projects and product development processes required to implement the food vision and business strategy for new and existing products and categories by influencing and advancing projects on your own, with a strategic understanding of the deliverables, strong technical acumen, and communication.
• Develops project work plans and cross-functional timelines from bench top to commercialization to launch, while proactively assessing and adjusting for potential risks.
• Leverages knowledge and data of consumer trends and product insights to ensure compliance and achievement of business requirements and goals
• Proactively direct and manage suppliers to develop, optimize and commercialize ingredients in support of the development goals and initiatives in conjunction with Supply Chain.
• Develop procedures to ensure field readiness incorporating operations input. Support training in the development of training materials
• Effectively work with Marketing and Operations to gain consumer feedback and make appropriate ingredient and product modifications.
• Cross functional work with Brand marketing and agencies to develop innovation pillars and pipeline products from concept to roll out in support of strategic initiatives. Every new product must meet consumer, finance and ops wins, following the markets acceptance norms, C.O.S. targets and operational execution requirements (filters of operations).
• Leads nutritional information and changes to menu items
• Demonstrate ability to analyze technical data, anticipate project next steps and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of cross-functional team roles and responsibilities, exemplifying functional excellence while representing Quality Assurance and Product Development from concept through implementation
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food forward mindset in the organization.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• B.S. or higher in Food Science, Food Technology. Culinary background preferred.
• 5-7 years in food related industry
• Strong knowledge and experience in food and beverage product development from bench-top to full-scale commercialization with a proven track record of success.
• Understands how product and menu development impacts the broader business and anticipates needs and challenges that come from other functions such as Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization to influence food initiatives.
• Knowledge on Dairy (cheese) and Dough Processing and HACCP programs is a plus
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously within aggressive timetables.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Leadership skills with ability to lead a divergent group of operators, franchisees and senior management through influence and persuasion
• Ability to work unsupervised, proactively, and anticipate needs of the organization.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, ability to multi-task with several priorities
• Flexibility, high-energy level, drive for results attitude – step change thinker!
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• A team player who can be accountable, flexible and possess a drive for results attitude.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and timelines involving numerous cross-functional partners.
• Knowledge of sensory, experimental design, and consumer research methodologies.
  

Please note our office is located in Johannesburg.

Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.

Pizza Hut Africa is looking for a Research & Development leader who is responsible for leading Food objectives and annual operating plans of PH Africa through innovation initiatives as well as ensuring all core ingredients are meeting the brand standard specifications. The role includes leading the development and implementation of food vision, innovation pillars and new products in a highly competitive fast paced environment and ensuring local suppliers can produce key global ingredients in the market with brand standard quality and performance.

Core Duties/Responsibilities:

Demonstrates a practical approach and knowledge of product development, operational systems, supplier food processing, and unit economics.

• Leads projects and product development processes required to implement the food vision and business strategy for new and existing products and categories by influencing and advancing projects on your own, with a strategic understanding of the deliverables, strong technical acumen, and communication.
• Develops project work plans and cross-functional timelines from bench top to commercialization to launch, while proactively assessing and adjusting for potential risks.
• Leverages knowledge and data of consumer trends and product insights to ensure compliance and achievement of business requirements and goals
• Proactively direct and manage suppliers to develop, optimize and commercialize ingredients in support of the development goals and initiatives in conjunction with Supply Chain.
• Develop procedures to ensure field readiness incorporating operations input. Support training in the development of training materials
• Effectively work with Marketing and Operations to gain consumer feedback and make appropriate ingredient and product modifications.
• Cross functional work with Brand marketing and agencies to develop innovation pillars and pipeline products from concept to roll out in support of strategic initiatives. Every new product must meet consumer, finance and ops wins, following the markets acceptance norms, C.O.S. targets and operational execution requirements (filters of operations).
• Leads nutritional information and changes to menu items
• Demonstrate ability to analyze technical data, anticipate project next steps and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of cross-functional team roles and responsibilities, exemplifying functional excellence while representing Quality Assurance and Product Development from concept through implementation
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food forward mindset in the organization.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• B.S. or higher in Food Science, Food Technology. Culinary background preferred.
• 5-7 years in food related industry
• Strong knowledge and experience in food and beverage product development from bench-top to full-scale commercialization with a proven track record of success.
• Understands how product and menu development impacts the broader business and anticipates needs and challenges that come from other functions such as Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization to influence food initiatives.
• Knowledge on Dairy (cheese) and Dough Processing and HACCP programs is a plus
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously within aggressive timetables.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Leadership skills with ability to lead a divergent group of operators, franchisees and senior management through influence and persuasion
• Ability to work unsupervised, proactively, and anticipate needs of the organization.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, ability to multi-task with several priorities
• Flexibility, high-energy level, drive for results attitude – step change thinker!
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• A team player who can be accountable, flexible and possess a drive for results attitude.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and timelines involving numerous cross-functional partners.
• Knowledge of sensory, experimental design, and consumer research methodologies.
  
  
  Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.

Pizza Hut Africa is looking for a Research & Development leader who is responsible for leading Food objectives and annual operating plans of PH Africa through innovation initiatives as well as ensuring all core ingredients are meeting the brand standard specifications. The role includes leading the development and implementation of food vision, innovation pillars and new products in a highly competitive fast paced environment and ensuring local suppliers can produce key global ingredients in the market with brand standard quality and performance. Core Duties/Responsibilities: Demonstrates a practical approach and knowledge of product development, operational systems, supplier food processing, and unit economics.

• Leads projects and product development processes required to implement the food vision and business strategy for new and existing products and categories by influencing and advancing projects on your own, with a strategic understanding of the deliverables, strong technical acumen, and communication.
• Develops project work plans and cross-functional timelines from bench top to commercialization to launch, while proactively assessing and adjusting for potential risks.
• Leverages knowledge and data of consumer trends and product insights to ensure compliance and achievement of business requirements and goals
• Proactively direct and manage suppliers to develop, optimize and commercialize ingredients in support of the development goals and initiatives in conjunction with Supply Chain.
• Develop procedures to ensure field readiness incorporating operations input. Support training in the development of training materials
• Effectively work with Marketing and Operations to gain consumer feedback and make appropriate ingredient and product modifications.
• Cross functional work with Brand marketing and agencies to develop innovation pillars and pipeline products from concept to roll out in support of strategic initiatives. Every new product must meet consumer, finance and ops wins, following the markets acceptance norms, C.O.S. targets and operational execution requirements (filters of operations).
• Leads nutritional information and changes to menu items
• Demonstrate ability to analyze technical data, anticipate project next steps and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of cross-functional team roles and responsibilities, exemplifying functional excellence while representing Quality Assurance and Product Development from concept through implementation
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food forward mindset in the organization.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• B.S. or higher in Food Science, Food Technology. Culinary background preferred.
• 5-7 years in food related industry
• Strong knowledge and experience in food and beverage product development from bench-top to full-scale commercialization with a proven track record of success.
• Understands how product and menu development impacts the broader business and anticipates needs and challenges that come from other functions such as Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization to influence food initiatives.
• Knowledge on Dairy (cheese) and Dough Processing and HACCP programs is a plus
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously within aggressive timetables.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Leadership skills with ability to lead a divergent group of operators, franchisees and senior management through influence and persuasion
• Ability to work unsupervised, proactively, and anticipate needs of the organization.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, ability to multi-task with several priorities
• Flexibility, high-energy level, drive for results attitude – step change thinker!
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• A team player who can be accountable, flexible and possess a drive for results attitude.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and timelines involving numerous cross-functional partners.
• Knowledge of sensory, experimental design, and consumer research methodologies. Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.

Reference: PE000185-JD-1

The hiring organisation is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent. Their vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities.

This position of Manager: Research, Development and Monitoring is based in Port Elizabeth, and is offered on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract basis. He/she is answerable to the Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes.

S/he will ensure that sound research interventions underpin the design of all marine conservation interventions (training, skills transfer, capacity building, community upliftment, and enterprise development) and that the research outcomes directly inform all organisational strategic guidance and advice given (at both a national and regional scale) to support sustainable waste management. Lastly, s/he will be responsible for impact reporting within the organisation through the design of a robust organisational monitoring and evaluation framework.

This exciting programme has both a local focus and a national and regional focus across Africa.

• Coordinate research activities and build the organisational capacity on research techniques and methods (qualitative, quantitative, policy, etc.).
• Initiate, coordinate, and assist all activities across identified research projects as aligned with the organisational Theory of Change and strategy.
• Initiate, coordinate, and maintain effective relationships with identified researchers and research influencers.
• Assist and control the quality of all research projects across portfolios of work, including but not limited to research designs, methods, data management strategies, data analysis, and publication writing.
• Organise knowledge and skills sharing to increase organisational research capacity.
• Guide the design of all interventions to achieve organisational marine pollution, blue economy and ocean conservation objectives.
• Ensure all research activities align with international best practice with regards to research ethics and principles.
• Manage the finances of every aspect of the Research, Development and Monitoring Impact Portfolio, including preparing budgets and financial reporting, managing the training budget and monitoring monthly expenditure reports.
• Drive and oversee the development and update of NPO’s internal organisational Monitoring and Evaluation systems, analysing data and providing reporting as required to various stakeholders, including assisting other roles in the organisation with such.
• Work with other impact portfolios to ensure interventions are rolled out and reported on correctly.

At least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
At least seven (7) years’ proven experience in an appropriate discipline, and at least three (3) of these in a management role.
A proven successful track record in leading research teams and pioneering new research methods.
A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports, and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
Competence in statistics and at least a working knowledge of modelling and Artificial Intelligence.
Proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans.
Ability to successfully work with and lead a team.
Valid driver’s license essential. Must be comfortable driving alone.
SA Citizen with a clean criminal record.

Has a passion for the sustainability agenda.
Is well organised and proactive.
Able to stay well-informed on the latest global developments on plastics (e.g. the Global Plastics Treaty), climate change, marine conservation, and education.
Has an excellent understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies.
Displays excellence in public speaking, presenting research plans and results.
Displays high attention to detail.

Location: Port Elizabeth - 100% in office.
Duration: Full-time 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to renew for an additional 3 years.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Market related. No benefits.

Short listed candidates may be expected to complete and pass assessments before moving to the next stage of the recruitment process.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your CV, please deem your application as unsuccessful.

The hiring organisation is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent. Their vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities.

This position of Manager: Research, Development and Monitoring is based in Port Elizabeth, and is offered on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract basis. He/she is answerable to the Head of Marine and Coastal Impact Programmes.

S/he will ensure that sound research interventions underpin the design of all marine conservation interventions (training, skills transfer, capacity building, community upliftment, and enterprise development) and that the research outcomes directly inform all organisational strategic guidance and advice given (at both a national and regional scale) to support sustainable waste management. Lastly, s/he will be responsible for impact reporting within the organisation through the design of a robust organisational monitoring and evaluation framework.

• Coordinate research activities and build the organisational capacity on research techniques and methods (qualitative, quantitative, policy, etc.).
• Initiate, coordinate, and assist all activities across identified research projects as aligned with the organisational Theory of Change and strategy.
• Initiate, coordinate, and maintain effective relationships with identified researchers and research influencers.
• Assist and control the quality of all research projects across portfolios of work, including but not limited to research designs, methods, data management strategies, data analysis, and publication writing.
• Organise knowledge and skills sharing to increase organisational research capacity.
• Guide the design of all interventions to achieve organisational marine pollution, blue economy and ocean conservation objectives.
• Ensure all research activities align with international best practice with regards to research ethics and principles.
• Manage the finances of every aspect of the Research, Development and Monitoring Impact Portfolio, including preparing budgets and financial reporting, managing the training budget and monitoring monthly expenditure reports.
• Drive and oversee the development and update of NPO’s internal organisational Monitoring and Evaluation systems, analysing data and providing reporting as required to various stakeholders, including assisting other roles in the organisation with such.
• Work with other impact portfolios to ensure interventions are rolled out and reported on correctly.

• At least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
• At least seven (7) years’ proven experience in an appropriate discipline, and at least three (3) of these in a management role.
• A proven successful track record in leading research teams and pioneering new research methods.
• A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports, and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
• Competence in statistics and at least a working knowledge of modelling and Artificial Intelligence.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Ability to successfully work with and lead a team.
• Valid driver’s license essential. Must be comfortable driving alone.
• SA Citizen with a clean criminal record.

• Has a passion for the sustainability agenda.
• Is well organised and proactive.
• Able to stay well-informed on the latest global developments on plastics (e.g. the Global Plastics Treaty), climate change, marine conservation, and education.
• Has an excellent understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Displays excellence in public speaking, presenting research plans and results.
• Displays high attention to detail.

Location: Port Elizabeth - 100% in office.
Duration: Full-time 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential to renew for an additional 3 years.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Market related. No benefits.

Title of Position

Coordinator: Research Development & Postgraduate Support

Post Number

8033439

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Research Development & Postgraduate Support

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

20/7/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape has over the past few years steadily become one of the research-led teaching and learning universities in South Africa, with the capacity to produce and advance new knowledge in recognised research strength and the translation of this knowledge through innovation endeavours.

An exciting opportunity exists in the UWC Research Development and Postgraduate Support (RDPS) office for a suitably qualified candidate to work closely with the Director in contributing to the institution’s research and postgraduate activities and achievements.

The successful incumbent is responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Provide support, education, and assistance to the researchers and their teams to help facilitate the research process.
• Serves as a link in ensuring accurate and timely information flow and maintaining effective working relationships with the team and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective lines of communication between RDPS office and postgraduate students.
• Render an effective support function to RDPS.
• Oversee the support process from application to completion of postgraduate students where necessary.
• Oversee the support process from application to orientation for exchange / mobility students where necessary.
• Advisor for postgraduate students on administrative matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain records and follow-up procedures for all research projects.
• Maintain an effective filing system for the Office of Research Development and Postgraduate office.
• Plan events relating to postgraduate student and staff support
• Maintain efficient record system; document and record management in line with university processes
• Support Director, Deputy Directors, and other staff to co-ordinate projects in the RDPS office.
• Interact with administrative stakeholders and other Management lines on behalf of the RDPS office.
• Manage and coordinate the admissions and selections process for postgraduate programmes including scholarship applications for prospective students and the coordination of the credit application assessment process.
• Administer bursary forms, check agreement forms, handle travel grants for international and local conferences.
• Act as a custodian of the University policies and procedures as it pertains to the functional areas of the RDPS office.
• General administrative support including drafting reports and/or responses of the Director for Committee meetings.
• Identify training and development needs of professional support staff within the RDPS office.
  
  

• A relevant Honours Degree at an NQF 8 or an equivalent qualification
• A minimum of 5 years student and academic administration experience in a Higher Education environment.
• A minimum of 3 years staff supervision experience.
• Knowledge and experience of financial management systems.
• Experience in managing and monitoring of budgets.
• Proven report writing and minute-taking skills and working ability of the Committee Management Systems.
• Working knowledge and experience of higher education governance policies, procedures, and structures.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Digital Media
  
  

• Strong interpersonal & problem-solving skills
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on various issues
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
• Ability to create, compose and edit written materials
• Planning & excellent organizational skills
• Information management skills
• Office management skills
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting procedures
• Ability to adapt communication approach to suit all role-players
• Ability to prioritise work and respond effectively to meet deadlines