Senior Instrument Scientist (P6) (Faculty of Science: Department of Spectrum: Analytical Facility)

Advert reference: uj_002465 Advert status: Online Apply by: 4 September 2026

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: Education and Training Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: EE Level: Management

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".

Job description

“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.

For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO

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.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF 10) qualification in Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or another relevant experimental science discipline.
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant experience in operating, managing, or leading advanced scientific analytical facilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing sophisticated analytical instrumentation platforms and laboratory environments.
• Proven experience in research support, scientific consulting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Evidence of successful project, operational, and budget management.
• A strong record of scholarly research outputs in peer-reviewed journals.

Recommendations:

• Experience managing a multi-instrument analytical facility or research platform.
• Experience with research infrastructure funding and grant applications.
• Established national and international research networks.
• Experience supervising postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Evidence of successful industry engagement and income generation.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership and vision.
• Strong people management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Sound financial and business management capability.
• High levels of scientific and technical competence.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and research-intensive environment.
• Commitment to service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding the job content: Mr. Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3010

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3010

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: **0861 227337/0