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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS) VACANCIES
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
DIRECTOR: INNOVATION AND CONTRACTS (POST LEVEL 5) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: FIVE YEARS, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF REAPPOINTMENT FOR A FURTHER TERM) (JOB ID 6216)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation -> Research Development
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Middle Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 27/8/2025
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities
Strategic and Relationships
• Develop and execute a results-driven strategic vision for innovation, commercialisation, and incubation aligned with institutional objectives and national innovation priorities.
• Lead the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), ensuring effective Intellectual Property (IP) management, licensing, and commercialisation strategies.
• Establish sustainable funding models for Technology Transfer and Incubation, leveraging industry partnerships, grants, and venture capital.
• Oversee the commercialisation of research outputs, ensuring revenue-generating opportunities through spinouts, licensing, and contract research.
• Foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, integrating research-based ventures into the economic ecosystem.
Oversight of the Business Incubator
• Lead the university's incubator as a platform for spin-out enablement, innovation scaling, and entrepreneurial pipeline development, integrating research commercialisation, innovation acceleration, and responsible start-up governance principles.
• Develop and implement business acceleration programs, enabling spin-out companies to secure funding and market access.
• Engage with investors, industry leaders, and innovation hubs to position the incubator as a leading centre for research commercialisation.
• Ensure the incubator operates as a financially sustainable entity, attracting external funding and strategic partnerships.
• Develop incubation policies, frameworks, and key performance indicators (KPls) to measure success and impact.
Financial Strategy, Funding Development, and Third-Stream Income Generation
• Develop and implement financial strategies for innovation, commercialisation, and incubation.
• Lead strategic budgeting, agile financial forecasting, and the development of differentiated funding models that support high-impact, multi-year innovation portfolios for innovation and commercialisation initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and third-stream income growth.
• Provide governance oversight in research commercialisation projects, optimising resource allocation for maximum impact.
Contract Negotiations, Risk Management, and Compliance
• Lead complex contract negotiations and reviews, ensuring regulatory compliance and institutional risk mitigation while supporting high-value innovation transactions, complex partnerships, and institutional risk exposure mitigation.
• Ensure IP governance frameworks align with the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act).
• Manage risk assessment processes in commercialisation deals, spinout companies, and funding agreements.
• Develop and implement best-practice policies for technology transfer, business incubation, and commercialisation contracts.
Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership
• Foster interdisciplinary innovation collaborations across faculties to drive research impact and commercialisation opportunities.
• Engage with national and global innovation funders, development agencies, and commercialisation networks to enhance the institution's innovation footprint, strengthen partnerships, and attract high impact investment and grant opportunities.
• Represent the university at conferences, industry panels, and government innovation forums.
• Work closely with faculty deans, research chairs, and university leadership to align innovation, incubation, and commercialisation strategies with institutional goals.
Inherent Job Requirements
• A Professional Bachelor’s degree/ Honours degree/ Postgraduate Diploma on NQF Level 8.
• A Chartered Accountant (SA).
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in senior financial and innovation management, preferably in research- intensive institutions or commercialisation platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise in research funding models, grant management, and third-stream income generation.
• Demonstrated experience at an executive level, including financial oversight, business growth, and governance.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiations and reviews, ensuring compliance and protecting institutional interests.
• Demonstrated experience in intellectual property management and commercialisation strategies to maximise research impact and revenue generation.
• Strong track record in strategic planning, risk management, and compliance in a research or innovation environment.
Recommendations
• Minimum eight (8) years’ progressive experience in executive level financial leadership, innovation, governance, or research commercialisation strategy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including financial modeling, pivot tables, scenario analysis, and dashboarding).
• Comprehensive knowledge of technology transfer and commercialisation lifecycle, including IP disclosure, valuation, protection (patents, trademarks, copyrights), licensing, spin out formation, and IP monetisation.
• Proficiency in using IP and contract management systems, with the ability to track innovation KPls and manage project pipelines.
• Strong working knowledge of South African regulatory frameworks, including the IPR Act, Companies Act, Higher Education Act, and Treasury Regulations, with proven experience in developing and implementing compliance frameworks and risk assessments.
• Demonstrated expertise in business incubation models, venture creation, early-stage investment readiness, and private-sector partnership structuring (including shareholder and co-investment models).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage effectively across academic and industry environments, with excellent policy development, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with hybrid and remote working environments and supporting technologies (e.g., MS Teams, SharePoint, workflow automation), including successful implementation of digital coordination and cost-reduction strategies.
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 27 August 2025
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please contact vermaakm@ufs.ac.za or phone 051 401 9329. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9848 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
Additional Information
6216: Director: Innovation and Contracts
PLEASE APPLY HERE
SENIOR OFFICER: DATA ANALYST (POST LEVEL 9) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 1 YEAR): CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (JOB ID 6210)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> Centre for Teaching and Learning
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 19/8/2025
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: http://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
Duties and responsibilities:
Data analysis and development of data analytics
• Use analytical, statistical, and programming skills to collect, analyse & interpret large and/or unstructured data sets
• Effectively mine and analyse large sets of data to derive actionable insights and value from data (internally & externally sourced).
• Deliver accurate reports on time (Including performing required checks to ensure data accuracy and integrity)
• Gather data and enable a centralized data knowledge management system that integrates sources into one platform.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand current challenges and needs that should be met with data solutions.
• Design, build and update various platforms, dashboards and reports.
• Sharing findings using impactful data visualizations and efficient communication.
• Develop a process to aggregate data and then enable centralization and automated delivery.
• Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques.
• Develop analyses metrics and new reports to support critical project decisions
• Provide input on optimal data architecture to support effective data solutions for assigned projects.
• Support work on predictive analytics and data modelling to derive insights about future project decisions that are aimed at improving student performance and success.
• Over time develop real-time data gathering, analytics and reporting capabilities for assigned CTL focus areas.
Research
• Integrating traditional research with data-driven insights
• Present findings from research in appropriate forums (including conferences and journal publications).
• Assist with conducting online and face-to-face workshops to disseminate research findings.
Training
• Contribute to formal and informal CTL staff development, particularly in statistical data analysis skills
Stakeholder Engagements
• Proactively engaging with CTL staff on Track-Your-Success project requirements and/or needs regarding data analytics.
• Assist with a range of projects at the CTL and/or UFS pertaining to data analytics, this will include research projects, as well as other institutional or national projects/interventions pertaining to teaching and learning or student success
• Provide data analytic support to Track Your project leads in the Digitally Enhanced
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in computer sciences, mathematics, statistics, data science, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant data analytics/analysis/science experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, preferably working with large datasets and experimentation.
Recommendations:
• Relevant post-graduate qualification
• Experience in working in a similar role in higher education
• SAS/ Python /R /SQL proficiency required, but not limited to this
• Expert Excel user with the ability to understand and build complex spreadsheets
• Experience in working with data visualization tools and software such as but not limited to Microsoft PowerBI or Tableau.
• Sound experience in data mining, modelling and analytics and reporting tools, including the use of AI in these processes.
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Required Documents
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Assumption of duties: 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible
Closing date: 18 August 2025
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9848 / 9329 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
PLEASE APPLY HERE
OFFICER: ACADEMIC ADVISOR (POST LEVEL 10/11) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 1 YEAR): CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (JOB ID 6209)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> Centre for Teaching and Learning
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 18/8/2025
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Contribute to academic advising during the process of registration on the BFN campus.
• Provide academic advising support and referral to prospective students about degree/programme selection.
• Collaborating with faculties (i.e. Education, Theology and Religion) to develop and deliver academic advice and support, where required.
• Connect students to student support stakeholders (on-campus professional staff - academic and support)
• Develop and deliver contextualised just-in-time academic advising services for students.
• Present student academic support and wellness initiatives (i.e. Central Academic Advising Learning Communities) aligned to the AA cycle.
• Contribute to the Kovsies Advice edition, where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with students (case management system).
• Maintain systematic and frequent student communication and engagements (emails, SMSes, and calls).
• Maintain a relationship with the UFS Advising Network.
• Participate in research and academic advising practice-related training and development opportunities (e.g. Centre for Graduate Studies and ELETSA webinars)
• Contribute to the training, development, support and supervision of Advisor/transition advisor in academic advising.
• Develop work plans for advisor/transition advisor
• Support the ongoing training and development advisor/transition advisor in academic advising.
• Contribute to the quality assurance (qualitative and quantitative data collected from academic advising initiatives) within the UFS.
• Use evidence-based practices to inform academic advising practices
• Participate in learning and teaching research within the institution.
• Participate in research-driven academic advising practice within the institution.
• Contribute to research output in academic advising through conferences, presentations, and/or publications through appropriate channels
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in the field of Social Sciences/Education or a relevant field.
• A minimum of two (2) years' relevant experience in higher education.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in teaching and learning (academic advising, tutoring, success coaching, etc.)
• Certification as a trained Academic Advisor (ie, AAPD SLP)(attach proof).
Recommendations:
• Three (3) years’ relevant experience in academic advising.
• Honours degree on NQF level 8 in the field of Social Science/Education or relevant field.
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to maintain composure and self-control.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
Required Documents
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Assumption of duties: 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible
Closing date: 18 August 2025
Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447 323,31– R 562 750,48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9813/ 9329 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
PLEASE APPLY HERE
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: FIVE YEARS): DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS (JOB ID: 6213)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Physics
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 14/8/2025
Description
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY PERMANENT ACADEMIC STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE’S DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
Duties and responsibilities:
In consultation with the Academic Head of Physics undertake the following:
• Manage the curriculum processes of the department.
• Develop new learning programs in consultation with stakeholders.
• Ensure frequent and continuous development and management of the operational plan of the Programme.
• Provide general leadership in the Programme and ensure academic coherence across all the various modules of the programme.
• Ensure that the activities of the Programme are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy, and regulatory frameworks of the University.
• Assume responsibility for the academic quality of the Programme.
• Manage the academic administration of the Programme.
• Ensure scholarship of high quality.
• Manage matters relating to teaching, learning, and students in the Programme.
• Conduct own research.
• Provide academic advice in terms of academic inquiries, amendments of yearbooks, schedules, timetables, etc. related to the Programme.
• Serve on the marketing committee of the faculty as necessary.
• Assist with marketing pamphlets or any suitable marketing material, etc. for the purpose of needs assessment and correlation of subject content with professional precepts.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• PhD degree on NQF Level 10.
• Any full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Recommendations:
• Exposure to programme development and academic advisory services will be an advantage.
Competencies
Key Competencies:
• Results oriented.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
- Good organisational skills and administrative abilities.
- Good management skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Leading.
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Required Documents:
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 14 August 2025
Allowance: The Programme Director allowance is payable, which is calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the relevant decision-making structures of the UFS. The value of the allowance is available on request.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 /9814 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: UFS EEA13 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
PLEASE APPLY HERE