The University of KwaZulu-Natal is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representativity within the Institution.  Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan

Applications are invited from permanent UKZN Academic staff members within the School of Arts

college of Humanities

School of Arts

HEAD OF RESEARCH AND HIGHER DEGREES (1 POST)

(THREE-YEAR APPOINTMENT, 60% FRACTIONAL)

school of ARTS

MEDICAL SCHOOL/WESTVILLE/ HOWARD COLLEGE/PIETERMARITZBURG/EDGEWOOD CAMPUS

REFERENCE NUMBER: 01/2026

The School of Arts seeks to appoint a senior scholar to head the Research and Higher Degrees portfolio in the School.

The Head will provide academic leadership in research and postgraduate training, including chairing the School Research and Higher Degree Committee, and serve as a member of the School Management Committee.

The incumbent will liaise with internal (Structures, Leadership, Academics and Professional Services staff) and external stakeholders (industry, accreditation bodies, community, academic).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·       A relevant Doctoral degree AND

·       Associate Professor or above.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE:

·         A track record of achievement in scholarship appropriate to the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor.

·         Good administrative, communication, organisational and time management skills.

·         Leadership experience at the discipline level or higher.

·         Ability to work with and in a team.

·         Understanding of the higher education environment.

·         Ability to interact well with and motivate staff and students.

·         Well-informed understanding of personal, social and financial constraints faced by UKZN students.

ADVANTAGE:

·         Experience in development and/or management of academic programmes and/or disciplines.

·         High standing as a researcher.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

·       Provide Research and Postgraduate leadership in the School.

·       Represent the School on College and University structures.

·       Lead the development and implementation of School Research Strategies.

·       Support the College Dean of Research in implementing UKZN’s research strategy and initiatives.

·       Contribute to research policy and strategy, including in Research Ethics, and oversee policy application in the areas of Research and Higher Degrees.

·       Exercise the responsibilities devolved by Senate and in approved policies, including those assigned to the role of ‘Academic Leader of Research’.

·       Co-ordinate with School Dean on oversight of Research Centres and entities in the School.

2.  ADMINISTRATION

·     Chair the School Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

·     Report to and liaise with the Dean of the School, and the College Dean of Research on Research and Higher Degree matters.

·     Oversee and manage Higher Degrees admission, registration, research ethics and examination processes in accordance with University policy and procedures.

·     Oversee Masters and Doctoral processes in the School and protect their academic integrity.

·     Oversee and manage academic monitoring and support of Masters and Doctoral students within the School.

REMUNERATION: A non-pensionable allowance of R104 644pa will be payable. 

Enquiries and details regarding this post, as well as requests for a job profile may be directed to the Dean and Head of School on Hlongwan1@ukzn.ac.za.

Interested applicants are required to submit a letter of application & CV to the Manager, School Operations Mr James Duly, via email – Duly@ukzn.ac.za

The closing date for receipt of applications is 23rd January 2026.