Position Summary

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: EE
Level: Skilled

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa”.

Job description

The Council of the University of Johannesburg has declared the University as a mandatory vaccination site as per the applicable policy ((https://www.uj.ac.za/covid-19/). All applications and offers of employment is dependent upon compliance with the said policy.


By default, this is a 5-year fixed-term position. Subject to financial sustainability and exceptional performance, the candidate may be renewed for another 5-years. The university will also consider exceptional and/or NRF-rated academics, for a fallback or tenured academic position. The evaluation will be subject to successful attraction of external funding.

NB: All applicants are requested to submit a detailed CV and cover letter.

The University is seeking to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic person of high professional and academic standing to serve as the Deputy Director for the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS; http://jias.joburg/), one of the flagship institutes under the Global Excellence and Stature (GES) Catalytic Initiative linked to 4IR.
 
JIAS, launched in May 2015, is the first and only fully-fledged institute for advanced scholarship in Gauteng - South Africa’s economic and political heartland. It is one of only three institutes for advanced study on the African Continent. Its purpose is to promote cutting-edge research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences beyond regular teaching and research activities at higher learning institutions. 
 
Since its inception, JIAS has created conditions in which scholars, researchers, and writers can partake and deliver cutting-edge interdisciplinary thought and research at the highest academic level. This is done by reaching beyond the regular teaching and research routines of contemporary institutions of higher education, and by encouraging collaborative scholarly cooperation in the humanities, natural, and social sciences. JIAS is also a full member of the University-Based Institutes for Advanced Study (UBIAS), a global network of similar institutes drawn from all over the world.
 
The JIAS Advisory Board comprises men and women of great distinction, accomplishment and expertise drawn from various academic fields and other sectors of society.
 
Responsibilities and expectations: 
 
The Deputy Director, reporting to the Director, will share responsibilities of strategic leadership, inter alia directing and shaping the future of JIAS. To this end, the Deputy Director should be of the highest scholarly calibre, with a research, ideation, and/or innovation portfolio, preferably in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Health Science. The Deputy Director should be astute with respect to driving policy, and with a passion for teaching, postgraduate student training, and supervision. The Deputy Director should also have a national and international network of collaborators, and the ability to expand and foster new partnerships.
 
There are two wings to the work of JIAS – an Academic arm, and a Facilities arm. These are headed by managers.
 
The Deputy Director will be expected to:
 
  • Initiate, support, and contribute to the development of intellectual content for JIAS activities, further advancing JIAS nationally, regionally, and internationally;
  • Support the Director in the management of JIAS and all of its activities;
  • Assist in expanding the reach profile of JIAS in South Africa, on the African Continent, as well as globally;
  • Serve as liaison between JIAS and important stakeholders in the academic and research community, the state, and other sectors in society including business;
  • Resulting from building and strengthening of relationships, actively drive the financial self-sustainability goal of JIAS.

Minimum requirements


The requirements will also be used to determine appointability at the level of full or associate professor.
 
  • A Doctoral qualification, with a substantive research portfolio or significant professional experience;
  • Preference will be given to applicants that work in Science, Technology, Engineering or Health Science fields;
  • Professional networking and fundraising experience, and an ability to work productively with partners;
  • Ability to conduct and direct research, and communicate ideas to a range of stakeholders;
  • A track record of successfully securing both national and international funding;
  • A track record of successful postgraduate student and postdoctoral supervision;
  • A track record of leadership, governance, organisational management, administration, and financial management;
  • Experience in communications will be an added advantage.
 
Recommendations:

  • Rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) or meets the criteria for NRF rating in the South African system (incumbent will be required to apply if not rated; see https://www.nrf.ac.za/rating).
 
ENQUIRIES:

Enquiries regarding job content: Dr Bongani Ngqulunga (011) 559 1784
Enquiries regarding benefits: Ms Lungisa Zihlangu (HRBP) 011 559 2956 

 

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

 

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