The Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg hosts Spectrum, a world-class analytical and scientific facilities platform that supports cutting-edge research, innovation, postgraduate training, and industry engagement. Spectrum provides advanced analytical services and scientific expertise to Researchers across the University, external academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners, both nationally and internationally.
The Faculty seeks to appoint a dynamic and accomplished Senior Instrument Scientist who will provide strategic leadership of Spectrum, oversee the operation and continuous development of the analytical facilities, and contribute to the Faculty's research excellence agenda. The successful candidate will serve as the operational and scientific leader of Spectrum, ensuring the effective management of advanced instrumentation, specialist personnel, research support services, and stakeholder relationships.
Description:
Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Science (or nominee), the Senior Instrument Scientist will provide strategic and operational leadership for Spectrum and its analytical platforms. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality analytical services, supporting research excellence, driving innovation in analytical methodologies, and strengthening collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
The position requires a combination of scientific expertise, leadership capability, research experience, business acumen, and a commitment to service excellence.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Provide overall leadership and management of Spectrum and its analytical facilities.
- Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the Faculty and University's research objectives.
- Drive the growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement of Spectrum's scientific capabilities and services.
- Identify opportunities for expansion of analytical services, infrastructure, and revenue generation.
Scientific and Facility Management:
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, utilisation, and optimisation of advanced analytical instrumentation.
- Ensure compliance with quality assurance, laboratory safety, and governance requirements.
- Coordinate equipment upgrades, acquisitions, maintenance contracts, and infrastructure development.
- Lead international benchmarking and quality control initiatives to maintain global standards.
Research Support and Collaboration:
- Support academic staff, Researchers, and postgraduate students in experimental design, analytical methodology, data interpretation, and research outputs.
- Facilitate interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations across the University.
- Establish and strengthen partnerships with national and international research institutions, government agencies, and industry.
- Contribute directly to the Faculty's research productivity through publications, conference presentations, collaborative projects, and postgraduate supervision (where appropriate).
Financial and Operational Management:
- Develop and manage operational budgets and capital expenditure plans.
- Oversee service agreements, quotations, invoicing, and cost recovery activities.
- Monitor facility utilisation and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
- Drive external income generation through commercial analytical services and strategic partnerships.
People Management:
- Lead, mentor, and develop Spectrum's scientific and technical staff.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, excellence, and continuous professional development.
- Promote effective stakeholder engagement and customer service across all user communities.
