Dr Skeef is trained as a biochemist and his postgraduate research focused on the effect of prostaglandins and cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. 

He started his career as a physiology lecturer at Medunsa, then moved to AECI's biotechnology research group as a research scientist. He was later appointed as the manager for corporate social investment.

Most of the 18 years of his management and leadership experience have been with the NRF, during which time he has overseen and been instrumental in the development of: the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP); business and industry partnerships; international relations; corporate communication; marketing; new business development; applied research, innovation and collaboration; and his current responsibility review and evaluations(RE). The RE directorate is responsible for all peer-based reviews and/or evaluations of applications for funding, rating of individuals and performance assessment of support instruments.