Government EntityNorth West University
    LocationGauteng, Vanderbijlpark
    Reference Numbernwu_004655
    Centre / LocationVanderbijlpark
    Closing DateSeptember 30, 2026
    Source and Applicationnwu.ci.hr

    Industry: Education & Training

    Job category: University and Academy

    Contract: Fixed Term Contract

    NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (VANDERBIJLPARK CAMPUS) | FACULTY OF HUMANITIES– OPTENTIA RESEARCH UNIT | POSITION NUMBER: V002767/ V000139 | VACANCY: RESEARCHER (TWO POSITIONS) | PEROMNES GRADE: A8 | EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT

    Requirements

    A Master's degree (NQF Level 9) in Psychology/Industrial Psychology/Social Sciences/Information Technology.A minimum of two (2) years' experience in working with inclusion, diversity and decolonisation.A minimum of two (2) years' experience of research.ADDED ADVANTAGES: A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Psychology/Industrial Psychology/Social Sciences/Information Technology.At least 3 peer-reviewed publications and 2 international conference papers.KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:Expert knowledge of technology capability and functionings.Computer literacy and competence in the use of software programmes for qualitative/quantitative analyses (e.g. SPSS, JASP, ATLAS).Knowledge of and experience in research administration.Presentation skills (for conferences and workshops), networking skills (national and international levels), analytical skills, skills to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, client and student orientation, and communication skills.KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:An output and quality orientation.Flexibility and conflict management to work with diverse groups.Maturity and drive.Autonomous behaviour.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 REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Blessed Ngwenya (016) 910 4475 ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Vuyi Ramavhulela (018) 299 4904 CLOSING DATE:  30 September 2026 PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered. 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. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. It all starts here ® 

    Duties

    PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The incumbent of this position will serve as a researcher in the Technology and Capability sub-programme within Optentia. The sub-programme aims to research the integration of technology, capabilities and functioning of people, with a focus on ensuring that advances in technology — such as robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality — are developed and applied in the service of humanity. The purpose of the position is to create and produce research outputs (peer-reviewed articles, master's dissertations and PhD theses, conference papers and peer-reviewed handbooks) through own research efforts and the efforts of master's and PhD students by using the best available research methods and techniques in an ethical way to contribute to a well-functioning research entity and competent students and staff members. The incumbent plays a vital role in providing expertise on the intersection of technology and human functioning in multidisciplinary research projects within the research entity. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: RESEARCHApply for funding for multidisciplinary research projects.Conduct research and publish findings in reputable national and international journals.Co-supervise master’s and PhD students.Initiate and maintain national and international research networks.Participate in the evaluation of ethics and research proposals.Ensure effective research administration.TEACHING AND LEARNINGDevelop new content and methods in the field of technology and capability.Arrange and present workshops on research methodology as well as technology and capability for various targeted groups.Develop, register and present Short Learning Programmes.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTWork with communities to promote technology and capability. 

    Source / Circular Reference

    nwu.ci.hr