The Durban University of Technology (DUT) invites applications from qualified and motivated individuals for the position of Administrative Assistant (Research) within the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT). This is a six-month contract opportunity designed for candidates who are interested in contributing to research administration and supporting academic and laboratory operations within a dynamic university environment.

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology plays an important role in supporting research initiatives focused on water quality, wastewater treatment, environmental protection, and sustainable water management. The institute works closely with academic staff, researchers, students, and external stakeholders to advance scientific knowledge and develop practical solutions to water-related challenges.

• Position: Administrative Assistant (Research)
• Duration: 6 Month Contract
• Salary: R18,059.69 per month
• Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Closing Date: 15 March 2026

The successful candidate will support research administration activities, assist with laboratory coordination, manage administrative duties, and ensure that internal processes run efficiently. This position is ideal for individuals who possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively within a professional research environment.

About Durban University of Technology

Durban University of Technology is one of South Africa’s leading universities of technology. The institution is known for its commitment to academic excellence, applied research, innovation, and community engagement.

DUT provides students and staff with opportunities to participate in impactful research projects that address real-world challenges. Through collaboration with industry partners, government institutions, and international research organizations, the university continues to contribute to the development of knowledge and technology that supports economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology is one of the university’s specialized research units focused on advancing water science and improving water treatment technologies. The institute supports national and international initiatives aimed at ensuring safe water supplies and sustainable environmental practices.

Position Overview

The Administrative Assistant (Research) will provide administrative and operational support to the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology. The role requires someone who can work in a structured research environment while managing administrative responsibilities such as scheduling meetings, organizing documentation, coordinating communication between team members, and supporting laboratory operations.

The candidate will also assist with stock control of laboratory consumables, procurement requests, and general administrative duties that support research activities within the institute.

This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to gain experience in research administration, laboratory coordination, and academic support services.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following requirement:

• Honours Degree or BTech in Biological Sciences

Candidates must have completed a relevant qualification that equips them with knowledge in biological sciences or a related scientific discipline. The qualification will help the candidate understand the research environment and laboratory procedures associated with water and wastewater technology.

Recommended Skills and Knowledge

While not mandatory, the following competencies and experience will be advantageous:

Knowledge of Research Administration

Candidates with an understanding of research administration procedures will be well positioned to perform effectively in this role. This includes familiarity with research documentation, protocols, and administrative systems used within academic institutions.

Knowledge of Chemicals and Laboratory Environments

Since the role supports laboratory operations, a basic understanding of chemicals and laboratory consumables will be beneficial. Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment where research materials and laboratory equipment are used regularly.

Understanding of DUT Policies and Procedures

An understanding of institutional policies and procedures will assist the candidate in performing administrative duties according to university standards. Knowledge of governance processes within a research environment is also beneficial.

Computer Literacy and Microsoft Office Skills

The successful candidate must be proficient in using Microsoft Office tools, including:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Teams
• OneDrive
• Zoom

These tools are commonly used for communication, document management, scheduling meetings, and coordinating research activities.

Experience in a Research Department

Candidates who have previously worked in a research department or academic institution will have an added advantage. Such experience helps in understanding how research teams operate and how administrative systems support research projects.

Key Responsibilities

The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for performing a range of administrative and operational duties that support the institute’s daily activities.

Meeting Coordination and Administration

One of the core responsibilities of the role is assisting with meeting coordination. The successful candidate will:

• Schedule meetings for researchers, project teams, and administrative staff
• Prepare meeting agendas
• Attend meetings when required
• Record and compile meeting minutes
• Distribute meeting documents to relevant participants

These tasks help ensure that communication within the institute remains organized and efficient.

Document Management and Distribution

The Administrative Assistant will also support document management processes by:

• Photocopying important research and administrative documents
• Collating agendas and meeting minutes
• Distributing reports and official documents
• Ensuring that documentation is organized and accessible

Proper document management helps the institute maintain accurate records and supports effective communication across departments.

Communication and Telephonic Support

The role includes providing administrative support through communication channels. Responsibilities include:

• Receiving and responding to telephone queries
• Taking messages for staff members
• Communicating important information to research team members
• Assisting with internal communication when required

Strong communication skills are essential for ensuring that queries are handled professionally and efficiently.

Laboratory and Institute Scheduling

The Administrative Assistant will assist in coordinating laboratory activities and scheduling within the institute. Duties may include:

• Organizing laboratory meetings
• Maintaining laboratory schedules
• Ensuring that research teams are aware of meeting times and activities
• Supporting coordination between researchers and administrative staff

This role helps maintain smooth operations within the laboratory environment.

General Administrative Support

The position also involves performing general administrative tasks as assigned by the institute’s leadership. These tasks may include:

• Filing documents
• Maintaining records
• Assisting with project documentation
• Supporting research administration processes

The Administrative Assistant must be able to work independently while also supporting the broader administrative needs of the institute.

Stock Control and Consumables Management

Laboratory environments require careful management of consumables and research materials. The successful candidate will assist with:

• Monitoring the use of laboratory consumables
• Maintaining an up-to-date stock register
• Ensuring that supplies are recorded accurately
• Assisting with stock control procedures

Maintaining accurate stock records helps ensure that research activities continue without disruption.

Stock Taking

Periodic stock taking is necessary to track laboratory materials and supplies. The Administrative Assistant will support this process by:

• Assisting with scheduled stock counts
• Updating inventory records
• Reporting stock levels to relevant personnel

These activities help maintain transparency and accountability within laboratory operations.

Protocol Administration

The role also includes supporting research protocol management by:

• Assisting with completing protocol documentation
• Submitting required forms and documents
• Maintaining protocol records

Proper protocol management ensures that research activities comply with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Procurement and Requisition Processes

The Administrative Assistant will assist with procurement processes by:

• Completing requisition forms for laboratory materials
• Processing requests for equipment and supplies
• Maintaining records of procurement requests
• Supporting the ordering process for research materials

This ensures that researchers have access to the equipment and materials they need.

Coordination of Equipment and Supplies

Another important responsibility involves coordinating the ordering and delivery of equipment and supplies. This includes:

• Ordering equipment and laboratory materials
• Coordinating with suppliers
• Receiving and recording deliveries
• Ensuring that supplies are stored correctly

Efficient coordination ensures that the institute maintains the resources required for research activities.

Salary and Contract Details

The position offers a monthly salary of R18,059.69.

This is a six-month fixed-term contract. The contract provides an opportunity for candidates to gain valuable experience in a research environment within a leading South African university.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to complete the official DUT Application for Employment Form, which can be obtained from the university’s website.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• A completed DUT application form
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• A covering letter clearly stating the position being applied for

Applications should be sent via email to: iwwt@dut.ac.za

Applicants are advised to ensure that all documentation is complete and clearly labeled to avoid delays in the application process.

Important Notes for Applicants

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for further communication regarding the position. Applicants who do not receive feedback should assume that their application was unsuccessful.

Additionally, the university will only consider applications that are submitted using the official DUT application form. Applications submitted without the required form may not be reviewed.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 15 March 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to ensure consideration.

Employment Equity

Durban University of Technology is committed to promoting equality and diversity within its workforce. Preference may be given to candidates in accordance with the university’s employment equity policy.

The university reserves the right not to make an appointment.