Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department (Psychology) at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

POSITION 

• The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department. The appointment will be additional to the successful candidate’s academic appointment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• The strategic, academic, and operational management of the Department;
• Providing intellectual and strategic leadership to ensure the department’s academic excellence and relevance;
• Developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan and ensuring it is aligned with faculty and institutional visions;
• Fostering a cohesive academic identity grounded in psychological science and professional practice;
• Leading curriculum design, review, and accrediting processes (e.g., alignment with HPCSA or equivalent standards);
• Promoting innovation in pedagogy and ensuring integration of current psychological theories, transformation, and research;
• Overseeing the quality assurance of teaching and learning, including moderation and student assessment policies;
• Promoting and overseeing good academic education as well as professional training and continuous development of all stakeholders in the department;
• Playing an active role as an academic leader in the discipline at a national and international level;
• Enhancing the research productivity, visibility, and impact of the department;
• Promoting the department’s research profile;
• Fundraising for departmental activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A doctorate in Psychology;
• A proven research and publication record;
• A proven postgraduate supervision track record;
• Registration with the HPCSA in any of the relevant psychology categories (Clinical/ Counselling/ Research);
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload allocations, staff development and conflict resolution;
• An appropriate vision for the Department;
• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Evidence of teaching excellence in psychology at a tertiary level;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional boards;
• International recognition of research work;
• Active engagement in funded research or grant applications;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A strong research record in one of the Department's research specialisation fields;
• NRF rating.

REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT 

• The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
• The Head of Department is a term appointment for four (4) years. External candidates will also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department.

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2026