Available Positions at University of the Witwatersrand

Department Description        

• The Wits School of Public Health (Wits SPH) is one of the largest Schools of Public Health in South Africa, with an international reputation for its teaching programmes, conducting high quality and relevant research, community outreach, and policy engagement activities.
• The School is seeking to appoint two pre-PhD interns to support the creation of a unique research data resource through integration of rich, multidimensional datasets covering a broad spectrum of health domains, including infectious and noncommunicable diseases, maternal and child health, environmental health and health systems.
• The data will be drawn from diverse sources including disease registries, longitudinal population platforms (health and demographic surveillance systems), surveys, clinical and laboratory investigations, and geospatial platforms.
• Successful candidates will enjoy unparallel opportunities for career development and professional growth including support for PhD studies.

Brief Description        

Key Performance Areas

• Implement record linkage of health and demographic surveillance systems (HDSS), clinical and laboratory data with National Cancer Registry data.
• Perform analyses of linked data
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications

Required Minimum Education and Training

• Ideal candidate would possess a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics/Statistics/ Epidemiology/ Demography/ Data Science or other highly quantitative and computational fields. Candidates in the final stages of completing Master’s degrees in the relevant disciplines will also be considered.

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities

• Strong research interests in data linkage, quantitative epidemiology, health data science and experience in statistical and computational analyses of large complex longitudinal datasets
• Ability to code in one or more scientific programming languages (e.g., R, Python, C/C++)Proficiency in SQL.
• Experience in writing research reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated knowledge and track-record of statistics and proficiency using a statistical software package (STATA, SAS, R) particularly for import, manipulation, and analysis of large datasets.

Remuneration

• The remuneration package offered will depend on qualifications and experience and is subject to the University of the Witwatersrand criteria.

Closing date: 14 July 2026

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• ACMS invites suitably qualified and experienced applicants to apply for the Finance Officer (Grade 9) vacancy. This is a 3-year Fixed-term post
• ACMS is a project/donor funded department. The purpose of this vacancy is to assist the department with financial maintenance, control and reporting of all donor funded budgets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Budgeting and costing 
• Processing all student payments
• Processing all claims
• Processing all payroll claims
• Managing all financial processes associated with grants, including financial reports to HOD and donors in compliance with university policies and procedures, donor requirements and legislation.
• Administrative tasks as per department director, project managers and ACMS administrator

Minimum Requirements:

The successful incumbent must have:

• 3-5 years financial experience in a tertiary environment
• Financial Accounting Degree / Advanced Diploma or equivalent (NQF7)
• Excellent communication skills
• High standard of written English
• Computer literacy: MS Office and Oracle financial package
• Knowledge of Wits systems will be an advantage.

Closing date: 14 July 2026

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The Position

• To lead the transformation of Pullen Nature Reserve into a financially sustainable, nationally and internationally recognized biological field station. The Field Station Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of Pullen Nature Reserve, including facility operations, veld and wildlife management, staff supervision, academic and research support, and stakeholder relations.
• The position requires ensuring safe and effective facility operations for students, researchers, and visitors, and maintaining the reserve as a critical resource for field-based education and research in organismal biology, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem management.

Brief Description        

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Honours or higher certificate in Nature Conservation, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science or related field
• At least 3 years' work-related experience
• Valid driving license
• First Aid certificate

Key Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Strong understanding of South African conservation legislation
• Knowledge of savanna ecology, veld and fire management
• Regional knowledge of Mpumalanga lowveld biodiversity will be an added advantage
• Competence in GIS and spatial data collection for habitat monitoring and reserve management
• Ability to lead and manage others
• Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving

Key Performance Areas:

• Oversee day-to-day operations including accommodation, catering, visitor services; supervise infrastructure maintenance; ensure facility readiness; coordinate with university support services; manage booking systems; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with neighboring landowners and conservancy members; secure MOUs for access; engage with local communities; represent Pullen at forums and conferences, as appropriate.
• Develop operational budgets; implement revenue generation strategies; market Pullen to institutions; achieve financial sustainability targets.
• Develop veld management plans; control invasive plants; plan-controlled burning; monitor ecosystem health; liaise with neighbours on game management.
• Supervise, train and develop support staff; manage performance and HR matters; promote safe working practices.

Working Conditions

• Live-in position at Pullen Field Station, Mpumalanga (on-site accommodation provided)
• Irregular working hours including weekends and holidays
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• After-hours emergency response capability required
• Occasional travel to Johannesburg for meetings

Closing date: 15 July 2026

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Brief Description

• Duties: The successful applicant will carry a substantial number of legal matters to handle under high pressure, and will be expected to undertake a share of administrative duties.

Qualifications and requirements for appointment:

• Admitted attorney with 3 years post qualification experience
• A degree in law
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience in a wide range of law
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Experience in the drafting of contracts
• Willingness to work as part of a team

Closing date: 17 July 2026

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• The Business Manager’s Office at the Faculty of Health Sciences wishes to recruit a Finance Officer to contribute to the financial administration and support for the Faculty.

Brief Description        

Qualifications

• A National Diploma in Accounting (NQF 6).
• An accounting degree would be desirable.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge and application experience of accounting policies
• Team player, work independently and be a self-starter
• Innovative and proactive in solving problems
• Experience in reporting and analysis
• Must have financial IT experience (Oracle is an advantage)

Responsibilities

To execute various financial functions for the Faculty, including the following: 

• administered funds transfers
• cash management
• faculty office asset management
• faculty office procurement
• projects & faculty office budget preparation & budgetary control
• prepares & presents monthly financial/management reports for the faculty office, which are compared to the budget with variance analysis & reasons
• maintenance of the Oracle general ledger system
• processing of journals requested by faculty office and schools
• manages & resolves queries from schools & the faculty office

Closing date:  19 July 2026

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Main purpose:

• To provide committee services to the Governance and Management committees of the University as well as their standing committees. Additional special meetings may be required throughout the year. Service of ad hoc committees and task teams may also be required occasionally.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Preparation of notices, agendas, minutes, documentation and reports for Governance and Management committees of the University;
• Administration of elections;
• Maintenance of committee membership lists; and
• Committee related tasks delegated by the ViceChancellor/Deputy ViceChancellors or other senior staff including the Head: University Secretariat, which can involve answering queries, background research, setting up of discussion groups, drafting letters and proofreading documents

Minimum requirements: 

• Diploma on NQF level 6 or equivalent as a minimum qualification
• Minimum of five years proven experience in drafting and editing meeting documentation, e.g. drafting of reports and the compilation of agendas and minutes
• Excellent proficiency in written and oral skills in the English language 

Required competencies (knowledge, skills and behavioral attributes)

Knowledge of the following: 

• Email systems and its functionalities to facilitate meeting management
• Administrative systems and processes
• Compiling agendas and minutes
• Planning, organisational, administrative and time management skills
• Analytical and basic research skills

Demonstrable ability to:

• Précis debate at a high level and compile coherent reports
• Prioritise, pay attention to detail and act on information, maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Perform in a highly pressurised and deadline driven environment
• Effectively administer online and hybrid meetings
• Demonstrable experience in computer literacy in Microsoft Office products and services, especially Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint

Preferences: 

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a university or higher education environment
• Copy editing skills

Closing Date: 20 July 2026

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Department Description        

• The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a leading global research-intensive university in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social justice, invites applications for the position of Chief Finance Officer.
• The Chief Financial Officer is a member of the Senior Executive Team and is directly responsible for the financial sustainability of the University and the Wits Group.
• The successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing a sound fiscal position for the University so that it can be strategically positioned as an internationally renowned research and teaching institution.

Brief Description        

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and control with regard to:

• Oversight of the full financial function encompassing central control over all revenues and expenditures.
• Oversight of the devolved financial management functions within the University.
• Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting on financial activities, including entities associated with the University.
• Preparation of consolidated financial statements of the University and its entities according to International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Providing the Senior Executive Team with advice on financial strategies, capital investment alternatives and operational savings.
• Compiling and implementation of financial policies and procedures within an acceptable corporate governance framework.
• The development and implementation of effective financial risk management, including financial modelling for the development of a financial sustainability strategy for the University.
• Financial reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training, funding organisations, donors and other stakeholders, in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Management of a sound financial operational system on the ERP platform.
• Oversight of the cash management function, including the investment portfolios of the University.
• Management of supply chain and procurement policies and procedures.
• Oversight of the management of the payroll function.
• Asset management and insurance policies and practices within the University.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial and tax regulations.
• Liaising and interacting with internal and external auditors and facilitating audit outcomes
• Interaction with internal and external stakeholders and representing the University at applicable higher education forums.
• Financially stewarding and overseeing other companies in the Wits group.
• Stewarding and strategically leading a well-established finance division.

The successful candidate must preferably:

• Be a Chartered Accountant and member of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants, or an equivalent professional accounting body.

and have:

• Proven experience in a Senior Finance Executive role of at least ten years at holding company or group level.
• Experience in the Higher Education environment and understanding of its challenges.
• Knowledge of the funding arrangements for post-retirement pension, provident and medical schemes.
• Knowledge of financial information systems.
• Negotiation skills and experience in budgeting processes in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Appreciation of best practice in corporate governance, procurement and risk management.
• High-level inter-personal skills, including conflict resolution abilities.

Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package is offered commensurate with the seniority of the position.

Closing Date: 20 July 2026

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Purpose:

• To coordinate, manage and oversee the Infrastructure Maintenance Unit and develop and implement the maintenance strategy consisting of Planned Maintenance, Corrective Maintenance and Emergency Maintenance, Policies and standard operation procedures for all the assets ensuring compliance with respective regulations and bylaws within the University of The Witwatersrand.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Accountable for compilation and management of the Annual Operational and Capital Budget requirements for infrastructure maintenance Unit.
• Consultation with relevant Stakeholders to develop a budget for the infrastructure maintenance projects.
• Maintain Cost Effective Financial Management and Departmental Compliance as per the University’s Policies and Procedures
• Establishment of Contingency Plans to reduce Financial Risk and business continuity.
• Identify key Stakeholders (Internal & External) and strengthen stakeholder engagement across faculties, schools, departments and Contractors etc
• Establish regular monthly or quarterly meetings and updates with faculties, schools and departments representatives to improve service delivery and clients’ requirements.
• Update all relevant stakeholders on policy and procedural guidelines to be followed in the execution of operational deliverance to ensure adherence to guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Formulate and implement best practice policies and standards operating procedures.
• Establish Inter-Departmental Engagement Processes and related SLA’s.
• Establish Planned and Reactive Maintenance Processes to minimize downtime and increase asset utilization effectiveness.
• Ensure that Management Information System is in place to support Operational Requirements.
• Ensure Business Continuity and Contingency Plans are developed and implemented.

Contract Management.

• Identify and report on new service requirements within the various areas of responsibility.
• Procurement of services related to areas of responsibility as per the University’s Procurement Process.
• Participate in the full tender process as a member of the tender committee.
• In collaboration with the Procurement Division, initiate and conclude various contracts negotiations and evaluations.
• Ensure effective management of Service Providers as per SLA’s
• Consult with the relevant OHS officer and/or GMR office on a regular basis regarding all compliance aspects and ensure that any necessary remedial work is carried out promptly
• Implement digitized management system and reporting framework to the Director.
• Management of delegated staff as per the University’s HR Policies and Processes.
• Set out Performance Outputs and Measurements for each direct report as per the university API process.
• Effective management of poor or non-performance of staff.
• Effective management of Disciplinary Issues as the University’s Disciplinary Code/Code of Conduct, with the help of HR/ER Office.
• Ensures continuous Training and Development of team members and self.
• Enforce compliance with statutory requirements (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Advise and recommend operations as and when needed. 
• Perform duties as per the delegated mandate.

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• Degree in Engineering - Electrical or Mechanical
• Professional registration with ECSA
• Relevant Post Graduate qualifications will be an added advantage
• 10 years’ experience in infrastructure Maintenance within a built environment at a Senior Management Level

Technical Competencies

• Exposure in multifunctional Operational Facilities Management environment
• Contract Management
• Project Management
• Experience in Infrastructure Risk Management
• A Government Certificate of Competence (GCC Factories Certification) 
• Property Management Strategies
• Experience in the implementation of integrated management Systems 
• Experience in applying engineering principles in the design, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure within the facilities management sector.
• Experience in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems such as Archibus, Maximo, SAP PM, Pragma, etc.
• Experience in asset management and condition assessment
• Good understanding of the national green and building standards, including SANS10400.

Competencies (Knowledge, skills, and behavior)

• Courage and Decisiveness
• Leading Transformation
• Strategic Agility
• Business Acumen
• Customer Focus
• Relationship management 
• Results Orientation
• Computer skills (Microsoft office)
• Compliance/Statutory

Requirements (Knowledge, Understanding and or training)

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• National Building Regulations
• SANS
• Municipal By-Laws
• Any other relevant Legislation

Closing Date: 21 July 2026 

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• The Wits School of Arts seeks to appoint an Administrative Manager to enable its dynamic and creative work across nine academic departments as well as our performing arts centre, the Wits Theatre Complex.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for efficient financial and academic support functions in the School and will report directly to the Head of School.

Brief Description        

Key job functions include but are not limited to:

• Financial management and administration
• Managing the academic administrative functions of the School
• Personnel administration
• Managing and mentoring support and technical staff
• General administrative functions

Qualifications/requirements/criteria:

• Degree in Administration or Finance
• Post-Graduate Qualification in the field of strategic Finance / Management or Administration is preferred.
• At least five to seven years relevant and appropriate experience in a similar position
• Knowledge of financial procedures, e.g. budgeting, variance reporting, preparing and interpreting income and expenditure statements, etc.
• Mentoring and supervising administrative staff and writing job descriptions
• Sound organisational skills
• Above-average level of computer literacy required (MSOffice Suite, E-mail, Internet, WAMS and Oracle)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), organisational and interpersonal skills for dealing with staff, students and the public
• Ability to work independently as well as lead and be part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of Faculty rules and regulations will be an advantage
• Knowledge of the University environment and its various Schools/departments is desirable and will be an advantage 
• Experience in procurement and management of sessional staff appointments would be an advantage

Closing Date: 22 July 2026

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Department Description        

• The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) is an interdisciplinary research centre located in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. To support its work, the SCIS wishes to appoint a researcher in its Climate Change and Inequality programme which focuses on climate change, climate finance, and the nexus between climate change and care.
• The researcher will support the climate finance work in the African Care and Climate Innovation Alliance (ACACIA) Hub, to hold a workshop on climate finance and to research the potential for “care credits” to support care work for climate resilience.

Brief Description        

REQUIREMENTS:

• Research experience in climate change and climate finance, and an interest in the nexus between climate change and care;
• At least a Master’s degree in economic development, or a similar discipline, is required for this appointment;
• A proven track record of engaging in policy spaces particularly in South Africa and across the global South;
• Demonstrable experience designing, implementing and managing research projects;
• Excellent research skills with proven ability to produce accredited publications;
• Very motivated and able to work with limited supervision.

Closing date: 17 July 2026

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DESCRIPTION:

• The School of Mechanical, Industrial & Aeronautical Engineering invites applications for appointment at the level of Senior Lecturer in Mechatronics Engineering, on a 100% full-time basis.
• The appointment will strengthen teaching, supervision, research, and curriculum development in Mechatronics Engineering, with a particular focus on undergraduate teaching.
• The successful candidate will contribute to core areas, including integrated mechatronic system design, mechanical systems, electronics, sensors, actuators, control, embedded systems, automation, and robotics.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

•  An earned PhD in Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Robotics, Automation, or a closely related field is essential.
• The successful candidate will have a record of scholarship, research activity, and postgraduate supervision in a mechatronics-related field, undergraduate teaching experience, and engagement with industry or the profession.
• A record of research funding and a National Research Foundation rating would be advantageous. Teaching experience in core undergraduate Mechatronic Engineering subjects will be an advantage. Eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in South Africa is required if not already registered: https://www.ecsa.co.za.

DUTIES:

• The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, supervision, industry engagement, and academic service, aligned with the appointment percentage.
• For a 100% full-time appointment, duties include undergraduate teaching, particularly in higher years of study Mechatronics Engineering; laboratory and project-based learning; undergraduate and postgraduate supervision; research outputs; innovation outputs; participation in funded or applied engineering projects; curriculum development; industry and professional engagement; academic administration; and academic life of the School.

Closing date: 20 July 2026

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Brief Description        

• The fellowships target doctoral graduates who wish to pursue a career in health policy and systems research, specifically research on the health workforce. The fellows will work on one of the pre-defined topics below but within this will be expected to develop an independent contribution to the research in collaboration with the wider AFRHiCARE partners.
• This could provide opportunities for cross-country comparative research as well as more specific research in South Africa. The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to learn about new research methods, such as realist reviews, and travel and collaborate with counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.
• The postdoctoral fellows could contribute to teaching and postgraduate supervision activities linked to these research areas in the Wits SPH, provided that these are in accordance with relevant policies, including the National Research Foundation guidelines and the South Africa Revenue Service regulations on the remuneration of postdoctoral research fellows.  
• The Wits SPH offers a dynamic environment in which to grow, conduct cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research, publish, network, and engage in national and international health policy debates. The successful candidates will work under the mentorship and guidance of the SARChI Chair, Professor Laetitia Rispel.

Eligibility

• A PhD in public health, health economics, or biostatistics obtained within the past five years. Applicants who did not obtain their doctorate in South Africa should have a valid SAQA certificate at the time of application.
• Familiarity with the field of health policy and systems research, specifically HRH or healthcare management research.
• Advanced research skills, preferably both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Ability to work with various data sources, platforms, and software such as STATA as well as MAXQDA or NVivo for qualitative data.
• At least two peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.
• A go-getter, willing and able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to meet and honour deadlines.
• Younger than or equal to 40 years of age.
• Advanced English language proficiency.

Advantageous skills

• Experience in research project management and ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Postgraduate supervision experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience of African health systems
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including researchers, faculty, and industry partners.

Closing date: 20 July 2026

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Department Description        

• The successful candidate will contribute to the university’s academic mission through teaching and learning, research & innovation, academic citizenship, community engagement, and leadership in line with the university’s policies.

Brief Description        

Requirements:

• A Master degree in nursing (a PhD will be an added advantage).
• Registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Nurse (General, Psychiatric, Community) and Midwife
• Registration with the SANC as a Nurse Educator
• Registration with the SANC as an Assessor and Moderator
• Must possess applicable teaching and clinical supervision experience
• Must possess applicable IT experience and demonstrate the knowledge and experience that is required for the fourth industrial revolution
• Evidence of applicable research outputs (scholarly publications and conference presentations)
• Evidence of supervising postgraduate students
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development
• Sound communication skills and the ability to function as a role player and contribute as team player/member.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• Contribute to curriculum development, programme review.
• Develop and sustain a research profile through publications, supervision, and collaboration.
• Participate in departmental, faculty, and school committees.
• Fulfil academic administrative duties, including planning, reporting, timetabling, and compliance with institutional policies   

Competencies and Attributes:

• Strong academic citizenship and collegiality
• Commitment to teaching excellence.
• Research initiative and collaborative capability.
• Effective organizations and administrative skills
• High levels of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct

Closing Date: 21 July 2026