Project Manager, Future Water Institute, Civil Engineering, EBE

Are you a dynamic and skilled researcher passionate about sustainable water solutions? The Future Water Institute at the University of Cape Town (UCT) invites applications for a Project Manager (Chief Scientific Officer) to lead exciting research and innovation at our Water Hub in Franschhoek.

This is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term contract position within the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment. You will play a key role in an ambitious demonstration project focused on the Food-Energy-Water-Waste (FEWW) Nexus, driving nature-based solutions (NBS) and the circular economy for a sustainable future.

About the Role

As the Project Manager, you will be based at the Water Hub in Franschhoek, a living laboratory dedicated to integrated FEWW approaches. Your primary goal will be to coordinate and deliver scientific research and innovation across multiple work packages within a transdisciplinary team of local and international partners.

This project aims to expand existing Nature-Based Solution (NBS) infrastructure for wastewater reclamation, develop circular resource models linking reclaimed water to food production and organic waste to biogas and fertilizer. You will help co-create sustainable technologies and business models with local communities, promoting ecosystem restoration, greenhouse gas reduction, and sustainable livelihoods.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Manage and optimize Nature-Based Solution (NBS) treatment systems, including water reclamation and ecosystem restoration activities, and conduct water quality monitoring.
• Oversee resource recovery components, developing tools and frameworks for waste management.
• Conduct market potential assessments and support socio-economic development initiatives.
• Contribute to research reporting, capacity-building, and outreach programs.
• Supervise general site operations, staff, and maintenance at the Water Hub.
• Provide support to researchers and visitors at the site.
• Engage with various stakeholders on research activities.

Who We’re Looking For (Requirements)

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• A Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in managing projects, especially field-based research projects.
• Strong quantitative and experimental research skills.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Nature-Based Solution (NBS) treatment systems, biogas production, environmental monitoring, soil/water analysis, or hydrological/environmental modelling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• South African citizenship or a valid work permit to work in South Africa.
• A valid Driver’s license.

What Will Make You Stand Out (Advantageous)

• A PhD in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture, or a related field.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications or relevant technical outputs.
• A strong commitment to sustainability, social justice, and community empowerment.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders (academia, NGOs, government, communities).
• Knowledge of GIS, environmental data analysis, or modelling software (e.g., MODFLOW, SWMM, MATLAB, R).
• Experience supervising interns or student researchers.
• Familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption), and 13 (Climate Action).
• Ability to speak Afrikaans or isiXhosa.

Salary & Contract

This is a 2-year fixed-term contract. The annual cost of employment, including benefits, ranges between R639,581 and R752,447.

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please visit the UCT Careers site. You will need to create a profile and submit your application online. Please ensure you attach the following documents:

• A Cover Letter outlining your suitability for this role.
• A Short Research Vision Statement (maximum 500 words) on the Food-Energy-Water-Waste (FEWW) Nexus in the African context.
• Your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Details of three referees, including their title, name, position, relationship to you, email address, and telephone number.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to deliver a presentation and undergo pre-placement medical tests. References may be requested at any stage of the selection process.

Enquiries: For any questions regarding this position, please contact Mr Ian Petersen at [email protected] or 021 650 2163.

Closing Date: 29 October 2025

Equity Statement

UCT is committed to employment equity and diversity. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan and goals. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

For more information about the Future Water Institute, visit: https://futurewater.uct.ac.za/