Position Title:  Communications and Relationship Manager

Requisition ID:  1355

Department:  Faculty of Science

City:  Cape Town

Communications and Relationship Manager

Payclass 10 (Fixed Term Contract T2 – 3 years)

BIOGRIP

Faculty of Science

We therefore invite applications for a 3-year contract position at the PC10 level for appointment as soon as possible.

Requirements for the position:

• A MSc in science or M. engineering, or similar degree, preferably in natural or applied sciences

• At least 3 years work experience with experience in science communications and relationship management

• An understanding of biogeochemistry through studies or work

• An ability to write clearly and simplify complex information to different target audiences

• An ability to make science knowledge personal, appealing and relevant

• Must be skilled in the use of words, graphics, online media and storytelling

• Have excellent interpersonal skills and capability to work with researchers in a wide range of disciplines

• The ability to work in a team, manage expectations from others and adhere to deadlines

• Must able to conduct meetings, workshops and integrate ideas

• Be a clear communicator, reliable and trustworthy.

Advantageous:

• A PhD in biogeochemistry or related field
• Have experience in a research environment
• A broad understanding of the scope of work in the natural sciences
• A demonstrable record of interdisciplinarity
• A publication record, including anywhere across the spectrum of scientific, technical, popular and social media
• Have an understanding of the funder/donor environment
• A membership of a professional society.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a communication plan in support of BIOGRIP’s strategic imperatives
• Build and nurture relationships with partners, collaborators and funders through effective communication and engagement
• Manage digital and online communications, monitor performance and adapt approaches accordingly
• Write, produce and simplify scientific information and communicate it within BIOGRIP and beyond, including collaborators, partners and funders
• Use words, graphics, online media and storytelling to promote and publicise the work of BIOGRIP, including posting information on the BIOGRIP website or social media, such as science stories and newsletters
• Work with researchers to conceptualise the best way of communicating their science
• Plan and support coordination of events, such as training, workshops, conferences and open days
• Prepare branding and marketing material for use in training events, outreach programs and expositions
• Assist with reporting requirements for funders.

The annual cost of employment for 2026, including benefits is between R661 967 and R778 783.

Please click the "apply" on the UCT Jobs site (View) button to create a candidate profile and submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter explaining fit to the position (not more than 2 pages)
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at abigail.dixon@uct.ac.za  or 021 650 1673

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to undergo a competency test.

Closing date: 6 July 2026

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 popia@uct.ac.za

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

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

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