Research Chair: National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Studies needed at Durban University of Technology

Key Responsibilities

• Research Design & Delivery: Develop mixed-methods projects (qualitative and quantitative) on NQF policy, learning-outcome alignment, RPL and articulation pathways.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Convene focus groups and policy dialogues with DHET, SAQA, CHE, institutional QA units, industry partners and community representatives.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Author academic papers, policy briefs and technical reports; present findings to executive management and external bodies.
• Capacity-Building: Mentor postgraduate (Masters/PhD) students on NQF research methodologies; coordinate workshops and short courses for lecturers and practitioners.
• Grant Acquisition: Lead and co-ordinate external funding proposals (e.g. NRF, DHET, international donor agencies).

 Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Education Policy, Curriculum Studies, Higher-Ed Management or related fields;
• At least 10 years’ post-doctoral research experience, with demonstrable outputs on NQF or qualification-framework topics;
• A strong publication record in internationally or nationally rated journals on policy design, quality assurance, RPL or related themes;
• Experience in mixed-methods research (survey design, institutional case studies, econometric or qualitative analysis);
• Proven ability to secure and manage research grants and to supervise postgraduate candidates to completion;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in academic English;
• Project-management skills, including budgeting, reporting and stakeholder coordination.

 Desirable Attributes

• Prior engagement with SAQA, CHE or DHET policy development processes;
• Network of national and international NQF/qualification-framework collaborators;
• Editorial board membership or peer-review service in relevant journals;
• Experience with digital-pedagogy research or innovation in outcome-based curricula.