Science Officer – Research Integrity

Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 211 as amended) with a mandate to develop and implement strategies for integration of Science and Technology into the national development process.

UNCST invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for the position below, based at its offices on Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda, Kampala.

Position

Science Officer – Research Integrity

Department

Research Management & Technology Development

Contract Duration

Two (2) Years

Purpose of the Job

The Science Officer – Research Integrity will facilitate the implementation, monitoring and promotion of research integrity standards, guidelines and procedures within Uganda’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.

The role will contribute to building a culture of responsible research conduct, ethical practice and compliance across research institutions and other actors within the STI ecosystem.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Support the development, review and dissemination of national research integrity policies, standards, guidelines, codes of conduct and standard operating procedures for responsible conduct of research.
Facilitate implementation of research integrity requirements across research institutions, universities and other stakeholders within the STI ecosystem.
Receive, screen and process allegations of research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and other questionable research practices, in accordance with established procedures.
Support preliminary assessments, inquiries and investigations into alleged breaches of research integrity, and prepare case documentation and findings for consideration by relevant committees or authorities.
Maintain a confidential and secure register of research integrity cases, decisions, sanctions and remedial actions, ensuring due process and protection of complainants and respondents.
Monitor institutional compliance with research integrity standards, including establishment and functioning of institutional research integrity structures and focal persons.
Conduct capacity-building, training, sensitisation and awareness programmes on responsible conduct of research for researchers, students, supervisors, ethics committees and institutional leaders.
Promote good practices in:
- Research data management.
- Authorship.
- Publication ethics.
- Conflict of interest declaration.
- Peer review.
- Use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in research.
Support integration of research integrity requirements into research clearance, registration and permit processes administered by the Council.
Collaborate with Research Ethics Committees, institutional review boards, funders, publishers and professional bodies to strengthen and harmonise research integrity practices.
Undertake or commission studies, surveys and assessments on the state of research integrity in Uganda to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
Liaise with regional and international research integrity bodies and networks, and support Uganda’s participation in relevant forums, declarations and reporting obligations.
Provide advisory support and guidance to institutions and researchers on research integrity questions, ethical dilemmas and case handling.
Prepare periodic reports, statistics, policy briefs and analytical summaries on research integrity activities to support Management and Council decision-making.
Support development and maintenance of digital systems and tools for research integrity reporting, case management and plagiarism/similarity detection.
Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a recognised university.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre will be an added advantage.

Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

Minimum of two (2) – three (3) years’ relevant work experience in:
- Law.
- Research administration.
- Public administration.
- Corporate governance.
- Compliance.
- Any related field.

Technical Knowledge

Applicants should possess:

Knowledge of research ethics, research integrity, research regulation, research compliance and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
Good understanding of principles of responsible conduct of research and institutional research integrity practices.

Key Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Ability to interpret legal, regulatory and policy documents and communicate their implications to diverse audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to review documents and identify compliance issues.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to prepare reports, briefs, advisory notes and official correspondence.
Good interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to work effectively with researchers, institutions and regulatory bodies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools.
Strong organisational and time management skills, with ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.