Director: Research & Learning

DIRECTOR: RESEARCH & LEARNING

(Payclass 13; Peromnes 4)

UCT LIBRARIES

UCT Libraries seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced senior library and information professional to the position of Director: Research & Learning Services. As a member of the UCT Libraries Directorate, the incumbent provides strategic leadership to the Research and Learning Section to advance its role in facilitating world-class access to knowledge and services as a partner to teaching, learning, and research at the University of Cape Town.

Requirements:

• Appropriate NQF Level 9 qualification in library and information science


• 15-20 years’ experience with at least 10 years of line management experience in an academic library at a research-intensive academic or research-related environment.


• In-depth knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the LIS discipline at national and international levels


• Awareness of the higher education and research landscape, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global and African higher education sectors.


• Familiarity with research support and learning services, covering the entire research lifecycle, bibliometrics, research impact assessment, academic integrity, and teaching & learning support services. This includes scholarly communication and publishing, digital libraries, emerging technologies, and traditional academic library services.


• Record of scholarship or professional service in the field of academic librarianship


• Experience in leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimise service delivery and operational efficiency. This involves using digital tools and platforms to create impactful strategic outcomes, thereby enhancing the organization’s overall effectiveness and innovation capacity.


• Registration with the national LIS professional body, LIASA

Advantages:

• Experience with University publishing, such as a university press or open-access publishing.

 Responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership of the Research and Learning Section


• Innovation and Service Transformation


• Library leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and policy development


• Leadership development and talent management


• Academic publishing


• External engagement and partnerships


• Management of Special Projects

 For detailed information on this post, please view the job description: see link: view

The total annual cost of employment, including benefits, is available upon request.

To apply, please click the 'apply' button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. 

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position


• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship with you, their e-mail address and telephone number


• Highest qualification


• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Mr Ian Petersen at [email protected] or 021 650 2163.

Closing date:              26 July 2026

Website:                     Home | UCT Libraries

Reference number:    ID 1424

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.