Head Of Division: Medical Virology at University of Cape Town

• The University of Cape Town (UCT), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invite applications for the permanent post of Professor/Associate Professor and Head of Division of Medical Virology in the Department of Pathology.
• UCT is Africa’s highest-ranked university and a globally recognised institution committed to being “an outstanding teaching and research university, educating for life, and addressing the challenges facing our society”. As an ‘Afropolitan’ institution, UCT fosters centres of clinical, research and teaching excellence that will bring together academics from South Africa, the rest of Africa and the wider world to advance solutions to African and global challenges.
• UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), established in 1912, is the leading health sciences faculty on the continent. Its vision is to be locally relevant and globally competitive, delivering world-class education, research and service.
• The Department of Pathology, within which the Division of Medical Virology exists, contains seven other Divisions: Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Immunology, Haematology, Human Genetics and Medical Microbiology. These Divisions are established in partnership with the NHLS and/or the Provincial Department of Health. 
• The Division of Medical Virology plays a pivotal role in virology research, teaching and training, and diagnostic service provision.  The Head of Division (HODiv) will oversee all these focus areas and provide leadership, driving innovation and ensuring best practices in all activities. They 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.

Requirements:

• Recognised leader in the field of Medical Virology
• A specialist Medical Virologist with a minimum of seven (7) years’ post-specialisation 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 Virology 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 Virology 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 Virology
• 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