Academic Head of Department at University of the Witwatersrand

• The School of Clinical Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences invites applications for the position of Academic Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.
• This strategic leadership position is open to suitably qualified candidates from within the University and externally. The successful candidate will be an accomplished academic and clinical leader with expertise in Paediatrics and Child Health or an appropriate subspecialty, and a demonstrated record of excellence in clinical service, teaching, research and academic leadership.
• The Academic Head will provide strategic direction to the Department, promote academic and clinical excellence, drive innovation, and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment aligned with the strategic priorities of the University of the Witwatersrand, the School of Clinical Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Brief Description        
Key Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic and academic leadership to position the Department as a centre of excellence in Paediatrics and Child Health.     
• Developing, implementing and monitoring academic programmes aligned with the University's teaching and learning strategy.   
• Providing oversight of curriculum development, teaching quality and academic standards.
• Promoting research excellence, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening postgraduate supervision and research training.   
• Providing leadership and oversight to the academic divisions within the Department.     
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical, teaching and research platforms.
• Building a collaborative, inclusive and accountable departmental culture through effective consultation and transparent decision-making.
• Leading, developing and supporting academic and professional staff, including capacity building and succession planning.
• Managing departmental human, financial and infrastructural resources effectively.   
• Representing the Department on the School Executive Committee and participating actively in Faculty and University governance structures.   
• Strengthening engagement with internal and external stakeholders and promoting academic collaboration and social responsibility.       
• Ensuring appropriate service delivery, quality assurance and compliance across departmental activities.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:  

• Registration as a Specialist in Paediatrics and Child Health with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).               
• At least 10 years' experience in Paediatrics and Child Health, with demonstrated clinical and academic leadership.                
• A strong record of research and scholarly achievement, including substantial publications in peer-reviewed journals.                
• Demonstrated experience within university structures relevant to academic and clinical leadership.                
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage change and build academic capacity.               
• Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership and managerial skills.              
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor or Professor, in accordance with the University's applicable academic appointment and promotion criteria and subject to the approval of the Staffing and Promotions Committee. Promotion Criteria.pdf.

Additional Information          

• A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification will be an added advantage.               
• This is a university appointment under the standard terms and conditions of the University of the Witwatersrand.               
• Staff employed by the Gauteng Department of Health may be accommodated, subject to agreement of terms of employment between the University, Gauteng Department of Health or the CEO of the hospital.               
• Remuneration will be commensurate with the requirements and responsibilities of an Academic Head/Clinical Head of Department position.              
• The incumbent may undertake clinical or research activities within their area of expertise for up to 30% of their time, subject to the operational requirements of the Department and applicable University arrangements.               
• Preference will be given to candidates who are able to occupy the University position on a full-time basis. 

Deadline:15th October,2026