Head Of Division: Medical Microbiology at University of Cape Town

• The Department of Pathology, within which the Division of Medical Microbiology exists, contains seven other Divisions: Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Immunology, Haematology, Medical Virology and Human Genetics. These Divisions are established in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and/or the Provincial Department of Health. 
• The Division of Medical Microbiology at UCT plays a pivotal role in Medical Microbiology research, medical education, and service provision. The Head of Division (HODiv) will lead, champion, and manage all focus areas within the Division, including medical microbiology research, teaching, training, and social responsiveness, both within South Africa and on an international scale.
• The HODiv will develop strategic and operational plans in consultation with the Head of Department (HOD) of Pathology, the Dean FHS, Groote Schuur Hospital CEO, and NHLS CEO, driving innovation and ensuring best practices in all activities.
• This role demands academic leadership to advance the Division’s scholarship, teaching, and standards, while fostering staff and student development and creating an integrated, innovative academic unit.
• The successful candidate will also manage Divisional staff and resources, promote diversity, transformation, and equity, and be prepared to assume the rotational role of HOD of the Department of Pathology. Active participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, clinical/laboratory diagnostics, and a multidisciplinary approach to Medical Microbiology across primary health care centres and hospitals in the Cape Town Metropolitan district is also expected.

Requirements:

• Recognised leader in the field of Medical Microbiology
• A specialist Medical Microbiologist with a minimum of seven (7) years post specialization experience.
• Registered with or eligible for registration with the HPCSA
• Demonstrated insight into opportunities for innovative diagnostic approaches relevant to South Africa and the broader African context
• Demonstrated experience and ability in teaching, training, and research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels with evidence of effective supervision to completion
• A strong research background, evidenced by a track record of international peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrated leadership ability across the service and teaching platforms
• Demonstrated evidence of insight into the challenges and opportunities for advancing health care and specifically through the discipline of Medical Microbiology in South Africa and Africa
• A proven track record of teamwork and the ability to build effective partnerships with internal, external, and international stakeholders
• A proven track record of mentorship and educational engagement for staff and students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated strong administrative and organisational skills

Advantages:

• A PhD in a relevant field
• Evidence of success in attracting national and international research funding
• A demonstrated track record of effective teaching experience in Medical Microbiology up to PhD level

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and actively participate in postgraduate education and training, and research, promoting a multidisciplinary approach in the division and department
• Provide oversight of the clinical and laboratory diagnostic services in the Division
• Provide leadership in the Department and manage its staff, resources and performance (service and academic), inspiring innovation and growth
• Provide leadership in addressing issues of diversity, transformation, inclusivity and equity, attracting and developing students and staff of high quality
• Fostering supportive and productive relationships between researchers, clinicians, infectious diseases specialists and diagnostic service providers in Medical Microbiology
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between both internal and external departments and divisions both within and outside the faculty and university
• Provide leadership with demonstrable capacity for role modelling, professionalism and collegial engagement
• Will be expected to be a productive academic, driving research and overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training

Closing date: 16 August 2026