Job Description

Job Title
Officer: Data Analyst (post level 10)(2 Positions) (Contract appointment: 8 months) (Job ID: 6215)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Vice- Chancellor and Principal -> Top Management
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Temporary
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
31/8/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Structure and manage social listening data within Omeka S. Maintain and update the Github repository for ICDF-related projects. Organise and maintain digital heritage data in Omeka SCurate and process social listening datasets within Omeka S. Provide support across multiple digital backbone projects. Develop a Streamlit interface for deep learning applications in HLT. Build an annotation system for HLT research using Streamlit. Conduct UX design experiments within the DSC framework. Deploy a deep learning model for public access and collaborative improvements on GitHub. Meet to discuss the integration of Forgotten Highway data into Omeka S for digital heritage management. Verify the accuracy and reliability of data collected for the Forgotten Highway project. Finalise the upload and structure of Forgotten Highway data in Omeka S. Manage and organise social listening data using Omeka S for better accessibility and analysis. Extract and analyse data from various sources to understand social media narratives (Data mining). Develop a framework for ethical and effective data sharing (Book - Data sharing framework). Write an article on Human Language Technology research and applications (Book - HLT Article support). Write a book on ethical considerations in digital research and data sharing. Build and refine a deep learning model for research applications (Deep learning model). Draft a magazine article summarising project outcomes (Magazine support draft - for project closure). Develop and refine outputs for the Lebitso project (Products for Lebitso).

Inherent requirements:

A bachelor's degree or a B-Tech degree on NQF Level 7 in the field of Computer Science, plus any other undergraduate interdisciplinary qualification on NQF Level 7 or an interdisciplinary postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8. Minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience in Data Science and IT.

Recommendations:

Three (3) years' relevant experience in IT and at least 6 months of data science and data engineering. Two discipline degrees in Computer science and another discipline (either a natural science or humanities qualification). Knowledge of interdisciplinary data science support.
Competencies

Required competencies

Results Orientated:

The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one's task.

Strategic Thinking:

The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations. The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

31 August 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447 323,31- R 562 750,48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact

051 401 7659

or email

SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za

or

Recruit@ufs.ac.za

. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 9848 / 9329 for assistance.

General:

The UFS 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 including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026

.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.