Director (P5): Centre for Applied Data Science (CADS)

Description:

Purpose
The Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of the Centre for Applied Data Science. This role requires a candidate with a strong academic background in a relevant discipline coupled with an extensive research experience in applied data science, proven leadership ability, strong communication skills, a demonstrated capacity to manage complex research projects, the ability to lead a diverse team of researchers and collaboration with diverse stakeholders both locally and internationally. He/she is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan of the Centre within its remit aligned with the strategic objectives of the faculty. He/she is responsible for managing the activities and guiding the overall development of the Centre, including reporting on the activities and progress of the Centre as per the annual performance plan and project agreements. The Director is required to serve as a member of the faculty research committee and/or faculty management committee and to teach courses/modules in her/his speciality.

Minimum Requirement

• PhD in a relevant discipline like Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Six years relevant academic management and leadership experience.
• Proven track record in teaching, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement.
• Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at master’s and/or Doctoral level.
  
• Evidence of successful curriculum development.
• High academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility amongst peers.
• Strategic planning and implementation experience.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
• Proficiency in computer including the ability to work with financial spreadsheets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provision of strategic leadership to the Centre and the Faculty

• Develop and deliver a vision for the Centre aligned with the Faculty strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Centre, embracing the range of research themes in the Centre, by providing a coherent vision for research and postgraduate training accordingly.
• Identify, promote and contribute resources to developing the Centre research strengths and broader research portfolio. This will include identifying and supporting opportunities for research through multi-disciplinary collaboration.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Centre, raising its profile locally and internationally.
• Member of the Faculty Board and the Faculty Research Committee and/or Faculty Management Team.
• Member of the Senate
  

Research projects

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Manage projects to achieve objectives.
• Commercialisation of research output.
• Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.
• Demonstrate sustained record of recent quality publications in peer-reviewed accredited journals or other equivalent outputs within a specific research field.

Administration

• Manage the Centre’s research activities, physical and financial resources accordingly, with clear objectives, targets and associated measurements to maximize its contribution to the growth and success of the University.
• Ensure that the Centre’s Internal Advisory Board (IAB) meets regularly and is updated on progress of the centre, and that the advice of the IAB is considered in formulating the Centre’s future plans.
• Ensure compliance to relevant university policies, protocols and procedures.
  

Personal/ Professional Development

• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU.
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate).
• Engage in current professional development activities.
• Ongoing development required by professional body.
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Present research findings at conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Develop relevant reports as and when required.
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.

Enquiries can be made via email at spurecruit@spu.ac.za

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.

Requirements:

• PhD in a relevant discipline like Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Six years relevant academic management and leadership experience.
• Proven track record in teaching, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement.
• Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at master’s and/or Doctoral level.
  
• Evidence of successful curriculum development.
• High academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility amongst peers.
• Strategic planning and implementation experience.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
• Proficiency in computer including the ability to work with financial spreadsheets.

• Develop and deliver a vision for the Centre aligned with the Faculty strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Centre, embracing the range of research themes in the Centre, by providing a coherent vision for research and postgraduate training accordingly.
• Identify, promote and contribute resources to developing the Centre research strengths and broader research portfolio. This will include identifying and supporting opportunities for research through multi-disciplinary collaboration.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Centre, raising its profile locally and internationally.
• Member of the Faculty Board and the Faculty Research Committee and/or Faculty Management Team.
• Member of the Senate
  

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Manage projects to achieve objectives.
• Commercialisation of research output.
• Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.
• Demonstrate sustained record of recent quality publications in peer-reviewed accredited journals or other equivalent outputs within a specific research field.

• Manage the Centre’s research activities, physical and financial resources accordingly, with clear objectives, targets and associated measurements to maximize its contribution to the growth and success of the University.
• Ensure that the Centre’s Internal Advisory Board (IAB) meets regularly and is updated on progress of the centre, and that the advice of the IAB is considered in formulating the Centre’s future plans.
• Ensure compliance to relevant university policies, protocols and procedures.
  

• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU.
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate).
• Engage in current professional development activities.
• Ongoing development required by professional body.
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Present research findings at conferences.

• Develop relevant reports as and when required.
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.