The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department. The appointment will be additional to the successful candidate’s academic appointment. Furthermore, the University is seeking highly motivated, internationally recognised scientist to develop the research programme and facilities, complementary to existing research activities in the respective Department. The candidate will be responsible for supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students and is expected to contribute to undergraduate as well as honours courses. The ideal candidate will have experience in academic administration in a university context and be able to combine field and quantitative methods to address research and teaching. Good contacts in the industry and the international donor community will be an advantage. In addition to the normal administrative duties of a head of department, this position will actively support and drive University of Pretoria’s vision to expand its impact as a leading research-intensive university in Africa. Thus, applicants should be able to demonstrate a record of international research collaboration and teaching, and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Furthermore, the applicants should be committed to the transformation process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The strategic, academic and operational management of the department;
• Strategically developing and marketing the department to increase its African and international standing;
• Promoting the department’s research profile;
• Ensuring scholarly academic and professional education and training;
• Playing an active role as academic leader of the discipline at university, national and international levels;
• Fundraising for departmental activities;
• Improving the department’s diversity and employment equity (EE) profile.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant doctorate with at least ten year’s relevant experience;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional associations;
• Academic status and both national and international recognition in the relevant discipline;
• A proven research and publication record and peer recognition;
• A proven postgraduate supervision track record;
• An appropriate vision for the department.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Managerial skills and competencies;
• Strong leadership and communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Diversity management skills;
• The ability to lead research programmes.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• A clear statement on how the applicant’s research and teaching interests fit in with existing activities in the department;
• Managerial experience at a tertiary or research institution;
• A strong research record in one of the department’s research specialisation fields.

REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT 

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

The Head of Department is a term appointment for four (4) years. External candidates will also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select About UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position you would like to apply for.

The following documents must be attached when applying for this position:

• A cover letter, comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, as well as a full employment history;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• A self-evaluation of your suitability for appointment in the post;
• Vision for the Department;
• Teaching portfolio;
• Research portfolio (including record of citation index scores); and
• The names and contact details of at least three referees (one national and two international) who can attest to your academic stature and leadership qualities.

The University reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to prepare a ten-minute oral presentation to the Faculty Recruitment and Selection Committee on their vision for the department.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant competencies assessments as part of the selection process (if applicable)