Lecturer.2.01- Wits Mining Institute at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Applicants with a combination of the following qualities, experience, qualifications, and skills may be considered for the position of Programme Co Lead: a PhD in Information Management Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Mining Engineering (with a digital/automation focus), Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Physics, Computational Geosciences, or any other related field aligned to digital mining, automation, advanced technologies, or real time information systems.

The candidates must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:

• Mining digitalisation, automation, or AI applications
• Information systems analysis and design
• Data analytics, modelling, or simulation
• Technology adoption and innovation systems
• Smart mining technologies, robotics, or sensors
• In addition, candidates must have mining industry experience, either within the private sector, public sector, non-governmental sector, or other related sectors, experience in research, industry projects, or innovation environment, as well as strong written communication (i.e., with demonstrated English proficiency), project coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills. Candidates should also have evidence of scholarly performance, including a record of publications.

Key Responsibilities: 

• The successful candidate for the Programme Co Lead position will support the broader activities of the Innovation and Technology Acceleration Programme, as well as project specific activities, including those of the Real time Information Management Systems (RTIMS) Centre.
• The role will involve contributing to teaching, conducting high quality research, supervising Masters and Doctoral students, and supporting both programme level and project level implementation. The Programme Co lead will be expected to work collaboratively with other Programme Leads across the Institute, as well as with Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Doctoral and Masters students. Specific responsibilities will include:
• Co lead the Innovation and Technology Acceleration Programme and lead RTIMS activities, including programme planning, coordination, and delivery of research initiatives. Ensure alignment with WMI’s strategic objectives and the MMP’s KPIs, while upholding the research, operational, and ethical integrity of all programme and Centre activities.
• Conduct and supervise high quality applied research in mining digitalisation, automation, information systems, AI, and related technologies. Contribute to teaching, develop postgraduate talent, and support research excellence that enhances WMI’s research environment while advancing applied research to meet MMP priorities.
• Contribute to WMI’s fundraising and sustainability efforts by identifying funding opportunities, preparing funding proposals and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to secure resources for WMI programmes and initiatives.
• Lead contract research projects working with partners and clients, and managing the delivery of contract research projects.
• Lead or contribute to the development of pilot labs, testbeds, technology demonstrations, real time information systems research, and future of mining technology foresight. Ensure integration of innovation into skills development, postgraduate training, and research translation.
• Support, mentor, and supervise Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Master’s and Doctoral students. Foster a high performing research environment and contribute to professional development activities, including collaboration with Wits faculties, partner universities, and HDEI institutions.
• Support the management of RTIMS operations, infrastructure, personnel, and resources. Oversee staff, students, and visitors engaged in the Centre’s  work. Ensure effective reporting, including budget, infrastructure, and progress reports aligned with MMP requirements and WMI’s strategic vision.
• Engage with industry, technology developers, research partners, and external stakeholders to strengthen WMI’s innovation ecosystem; support fundraising and resource mobilisation efforts; and represent the programme and RTIMS in internal and external fora, meetings, and collaborations.
• Produce high quality research outputs, reports, publications, and knowledge products. Lead or co author accredited journal publications and contribute insights from mining innovation to continental initiatives, including WMI’s continental hub activities.
• Personal Attributes: The candidate will demonstrate strong initiative and leadership potential, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and engage diverse stakeholders. They should possess excellent organisational and coordination skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment. A passion for innovation, emerging technologies, and driving research impact is essential.
• Conditions: The candidate must be available to assume this role on a full time basis and will be required to be based at the Wits Mining Institute (WMI) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Please note that candidates will be ranked in accordance with the South African government criteria for Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs).
• Duration: This is a fixed term contract for three (3) consecutive years.

Closing date for applications: 24 July 2026