Senior Research Associate – Doctoral Research Office

About the role

The Senior Research Associate will provide academic and operational support within MANCOSA’s Doctoral Research Office. The role focuses on enhancing doctoral student progression, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a strong research culture.

Key responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve doctoral student engagement, progression and completion.
• Monitor student progress, identify at‑risk candidates and coordinate appropriate interventions.
• Organise orientation, induction, research workshops and other support activities for doctoral candidates.
• Facilitate effective supervisor‑student relationships and intervene when challenges arise.
• Support assessment and examination processes, including thesis readiness reviews and turnaround monitoring.
• Prepare and analyse reports on student progression, programme performance and success metrics.
• Develop, review and implement doctoral governance documentation, policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with DHET, CHE and institutional research regulations.
• Coordinate quality‑assurance reviews, audits and internal evaluations.
• Contribute to the design, planning and delivery of doctoral programmes and related workshops.

Required profile

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence doctoral education at a nationally recognised institution.
• Professional development in research governance and higher‑education policy.
• Collaborative environment with academic and administrative teams.