Senior Researcher / Senior Lecturer x2 at University of the Witwatersrand

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

• The Chair seeks to appoint an outstanding, research-active and institutionally minded Senior Researcher/Senior Lecturer to play a leading role in establishing one of Africa's emerging centres of excellence in artificial intelligence, business transformation, and sustainable development.
• Working closely with the Founding Academic Lead, the successful candidate will contribute to the Chair's research programme, postgraduate talent development, executive education, industry partnerships, and thought leadership activities. This appointment offers an exceptional opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of the Chair while developing an internationally recognised research profile within a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.

Brief Description        

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

RESEARCH

• Lead and contribute to high-quality interdisciplinary research.
• Publish in internationally recognised journals.
• Develop competitive research proposals.

TEACHING

• Teach postgraduate courses.
• Support executive education.
• Supervise postgraduate students.

ENGAGEMENT

• Develop industry partnerships.
• Organise conferences and seminars.
• Produce policy briefs.

CHAIR DEVELOPMENT

• Support reporting.
• Build collaborations.
• Mentor junior researchers.
• The successful candidate will also be expected to develop their own research profile and contribute actively to the intellectual life of Wits Business School, Wits MIND, and the broader University.

SELECTION CRITERIA APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE:

• A PhD in artificial intelligence, digital business, information systems, informatics, information technology, computer science, management, economics, public policy, sustainability, data science, innovation studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas aligned to the Chair's research themes, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, AI governance, responsible innovation, or digital business.
• Demonstrated publication record in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to contribute to externally funded research projects.
• Experience in producing academic, policy, or applied research outputs.
• Ability to translate research into practical insights for business, policy, and society.
• Experience in postgraduate teaching and supervision within a university environment.
• Strong project management, writing, editing, and research coordination skills.
• Ability to work with academic, industry, government, and civil society stakeholders.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams and collaborative institutional environments.

Closing date: 7th August 2026