Director: Institute For Intelligent Systems (IIS) (P5) (Strategic Initiatives & Administration) 5-YEAR CONTRACT
Position Summary
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
- Manage the interdisciplinary institute, including sub-entities, such as the Centre for Telecommunications (CfT), Centre for Data Ethics (CDE), and Metaverse Research Unit (MRU).
- Develop and successfully execute a plan for the Institute that will ensure financial sustainability, i.e. demonstrate the raising of external funding.
- Attract, retain and ensure measured productivity of distinguished virtual/visiting professors, distinguished professors, and other academics of high calibre.
- Develop and implement in-contact and online interdisciplinary qualifications and CEPs.
- Work with relevant UJ entities towards a continuous marketing plan (branding campaign) in key publications that enhance UJ’s stature, such as QS, THE, social media, etc.
- Strengthen synergies with industry partners, locally and internationally, enabling for external funding.
- Student training, particularly at master’s and doctoral levels.
- Develop a graduate-level professional development programme (PDP) in collaboration with science council(s).
- Research outputs with emphasis on reporting of socioeconomic, citation and collaboration impact.
- Work with the UJ Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and wider university ecosystem – towards commercialisation of intellectual property (IP). A key expectation is generation of start-ups within the commercialisation ecosystem of the university.
- In the medium-to-long term, work with external sponsors/relations towards further development of IIS infrastructure.
- Outreach and visibility.
Minimum requirements
- A doctoral qualification, with a substantive research portfolio or significant professional experience.
- A person of high standing and stature in the broad discipline identified.
- An outstanding and innovative researcher who has made a major impact in their field.
- International recognition as an undisputed leader in their field and/or have received substantial international recognition for their research contributions.
- An excellent record in attracting postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows.
- Full-time residence in Johannesburg for the duration of the appointment.
- 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 leadership, governance, organisational management, administration, and financial management.
- Rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) or meeting 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).
- Registered with relevant professional council(s) (where applicable).
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.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO.
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.
