The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits University), is a highly ranked research-intensive institution renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact. Located in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, Wits University provides a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. The University is seeking to appoint a Head of School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, for a fixed-period of (5) five-years.
The School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering has a large and vibrant enrolment in undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering. Located in Johannesburg, the cosmopolitan city at the heart of the continent’s economic powerhouse, the School has a strong team of dedicated staff and excellent facilities that provide exciting environments for research, teaching and learning.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants should hold a relevant PhD with evidence of significant professional and/or scholarly achievements and a strong research profile. The successful appointee will be of high national and international standing, possess advanced leadership and managerial skills and demonstrate ability to co-ordinate the academic and professional vision of the constituent disciplines. Evidence of management at academic positions would be an advantage. South African citizens and permanent residents currently employed in academia must be in possession of a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating (https://www.nrf.ac.za/rating/). Professional registration, or eligibility for international applicants is recommended.
The Head will be expected to provide academic vision and leadership to the School. S/he will be expected to develop and maintain the reputation of research and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relations with industry. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that academic and administrative systems and processes operate effectively, and the School meets its Faculty’s strategic goals by participating in University-wide decision-making processes. The successful candidate is also expected to provide leadership towards initiatives for fund-raising and providing support for special projects, research or development projects within the School.
The standard contractual period of employment is 5 years, after which the candidate may seek another term or be integrated into an appropriate teaching and research position in the School. If the appointee is an existing member of the permanent staff, s/he will revert to her/his previous academic position.
DUTIES:
• To provide academic vision and leadership to the school.
• To develop and maintain the reputation of research and teaching excellence.
• To manage academic and support staff recruitment, evaluation, and professional growth, promoting diversity and inclusion.
• To develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions.
• To create an inclusive and supportive environment for students, promoting their academic success and well-being.
• To manage the school’s budget, allocating resources effectively to support teaching, research, administration and infrastructure needs.
• To raise external funding and support for special projects within the school.
• To represent the school within the university and at professional conferences.
Enquiries:
Professor Thokozani Majozi
Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
E-mail: Thokozani.Majozi@wits.ac.za or telephone: +27 11 717 7012
To Apply: Please submit a covering letter of motivation, a detailed CV with names and current e-mail addresses and contact numbers of (3) three referees, certified copies of qualifications, academic transcripts and South African ID and/or (copy of Passport if not a South African Citizen). Please state your research metrics in your covering letter. External applicants are invited to apply by registering on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za Internal employees may apply directly on Oracle Self-Service on the Wits Intranet by selecting ‘’Apply for a job’’.
Please note that given the thrust of the University’s strategic plan on transformation, preference may be given to appointable applicants from the under-represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University.
The University reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit rating. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with the shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or re-advertise.
