Careers at University of the Witwatersrand

• Applications are invited for the position of Head of Department: Anatomical Sciences in the School of Biomedical Sciences, one of the schools within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
• The Department of Anatomical Sciences comprises the divisions  of Morphological Anatomy, Histology, Embryology & Cell Biology and Biological Anthropology. The Department has a distinguished history of excellence in teaching, research, and postgraduate training, making a significant contribution to the education of Health Sciences and Science students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• This position presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and visionary academic leader to guide the Department into a new era of innovation, relevance, and excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.

Brief Description        
Key Responsibilities

• The Head of Department will provide the academic vision, strategic direction, and leadership required to ensure that the Department maintains and strengthens its position of excellence within the University and the broader higher education sector.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic academic leadership across all teaching, research, and postgraduate training activities.
• Ensuring curricula remain current, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of the Health Sciences and Science disciplines.
• Promoting research excellence that is both locally relevant and internationally competitive.
• Strengthening postgraduate education and supervision while fostering research collaboration and innovation.
• Leading student affairs and promoting an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
• Managing the Department's human resources, financial resources, infrastructure, Body Donor Programme and administrative functions.
• Promoting academic excellence across the Department's constituent disciplines while maintaining its diversity and collegial culture.
• Ensuring the Department fulfils its outreach and engagement responsibilities within the University and the broader community.

Minimum Requirements and Experience

Applicants must possess:

• A Doctorate degree (PhD) in an appropriate discipline
• Appointment at the level of Associate Professor or Professor, or eligibility to be awarded one of these academic titles in accordance with the Faculty of Health Sciences criteria. For promotion criteria click here Promotion Criteria.
• A distinguished record of research achievement, postgraduate supervision, and scholarly leadership.
• At least 10 years' experience in higher education, within the discipline of Anatomical Sciences, including significant experience in university administration and academic leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, and governance within a university environment.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills, with the academic and professional standing necessary to command the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.

Closing date: 21 August 2026

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• The Faculty of Humanities invites applications for the full-time post of Senior Lecturer in the Curatorial, Public and Visual Cultures (CPVC) department at the Wits School of Arts. The department offers three postgraduate degrees in History of Art, Heritage Studies, and Contemporary Curatorial Practice, and teaches the compulsory History of Art coursework in the Fine Arts undergraduate degree at second-year and third-year levels. The successful candidate will join a passionate team of academics, artists and curators in the department, as well as colleagues from the Wits School of Arts engaging in interdisciplinary projects across the school.
• We invite academics and practitioners working in the field of art histories and related disciplines, with innovative and critical academic and creative research, teaching and supervision experience to apply. Diversity is central to the dynamic constitution of the department and key to achieving excellence within the faculty, staff and student body of the University of the Witwatersrand. We encourage South Africans from designated groups to apply (see link to policy below).

Criteria:

Qualifications:

• For appointment at the Senior Lecturer level, a PhD in Art History or related fields and a recognised teaching, supervision and research profile are required.

Experience:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and curriculum development, within one or more of the department’s core fields of art historical, curatorial and/or heritage studies. This could include subjects such as historical and contemporary genres; colonial, decolonial and post-colonial studies; South African and African contexts and networks; interdisciplinary methods and methodologies; and, multidisciplinary and multimodal approaches.
• Proven experience of supervision of successfully graduated Honours and Master’s students, and experience of PhD level supervision.
• Proven track record of conventional and creative research outcomes in art histories and/or allied fields in the humanities, preferably in the arts.

Skills and Attributes:

• Experience with project management would be beneficial
• An interest in transformative pedagogies, decolonial curriculum development, and transformation within the humanities.

Responsibilities:

• Developing, teaching and coordinating courses in the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Supervising postgraduate students at Honours, Master’s and PhD level
• Contributing to the development and management of departmental research, publication and creative partnership projects
• Contributing to the work of the department and the Wits School of Arts as a whole, such as actively engaging in committee work
• Contributing to fundraising strategies and applications for the department
• The position is available immediately. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on published WITS pay scales.

Closing Date : 28 August 2026

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Brief Description        
Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer (1 post): Governance

Requirements

• A PhD in Governance, Public Administration or Development Studies with relevant teaching, supervision and research experience and a sustained publication record in the specific area of governance, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• A relevant PhD in a cognate Social Science discipline such as Political Science or Sociology may be considered, provided the teaching and research record is demonstrably and primarily focused on concerns of governance.   
• Demonstrated ability and portfolio of evidence in teaching across several areas in the discipline, in particular themes related to Political Economy and Development.
• For appointment at Associate Professor level, significant supervision experience and evidence of at least five graduated supervised PhD’s and masters is required.
• For Senior Lecturer level, supervision experience at Masters level is required and PhD supervision will be advantageous.
• For the Associate Professor post, evidence of an independent and ongoing research programme, academic leadership, and successful grants external to the University is an advantage.
• Publications as first author in accredited journals in the last five years is a requirement for both levels of appointment. Evidence of policy work, briefings, conference papers and professional and community involvement in the field of policy is an advantage.

Closing date: 28 August 2026. 

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Brief Description        

• The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship. This position would be suitable for those with a commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA
• The candidate must be a specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine, and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current employees and Joint staff).
• At least 2 years experience as a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.
• Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor or qualify to be awarded the academic title within a 3-year period.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline and training across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training, and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,   
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to improve.
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Attend division/departmental/faculty and University committee meetings,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership, by participating in the management structures,
• The awarding of the title Professor/Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications, research and other academic criteria as determined by the faculty guidelines.

Closing date: 28 August 2026

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Main Purpose

• Located in the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning Unit, the Head of Student Success will provide strategic leadership and undertake initiatives that promote student success in CLM.
• The incumbent will be responsible for working with academic schools in the faculty to conceptualise, implement, and scale evidence-based interventions that enhance undergraduate and postgraduate student progression and throughput.
• This will be achieved by leveraging institutional data and business intelligence services to identify barriers to success and develop proactive, data-informed strategies.
• It will also require the individual to work closely with staff in the faculty, and with undergraduate and postgraduate students. Furthermore, they will lead the development of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks to evaluate student success initiatives and interventions in the faculty.

Brief Description        
Qualifications and Experience

• Academic Qualification: The incumbent must hold a PhD in a relevant field.
• Formal qualification in education would be an advantage.
• Formal certification in academic advising would be an advantage.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience working in higher education, with a demonstrable focus on student success, data and data analytics, academic advising, and/or student development.
• Data Literacy: Experience managing, analysing, and drawing actionable insights from student datasets, including evidence of advanced, hands-on capability with business intelligence and data visualization tools.
• Strategic Collaboration: A high degree of comfort working with business intelligence services and institutional research offices.
• Research Record: As an academic track role, the candidate must have a track record of accredited, peer-reviewed publications and conference contributions, including in the areas of higher education, teaching and learning, or student success.
• Contextual Knowledge: Deep understanding of the South African higher education landscape, including challenges related to transformation, the "missing middle," and the unique needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Job Description

• Lead the conceptualisation and implementation of strategic student success frameworks responsive to the undergraduate and postgraduate lifecycles, respectively.
• Develop and manage robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to evaluate student success initiatives and interventions in the faculty.
• Analyse complex student data sets to identify high risk courses, providing actionable insights to the relevant stakeholders.
• Implement tracking mechanisms specifically designed to monitor student progress and success.
• Undertake student advising in one-on-one and group settings, on a variety of topics (e.g., curriculum planning, excellence skills, psychosocial matters, socioeconomic matters).
• Deliver training, workshops, and symposia relevant to the role.
• Contribute to the design and rollout of appropriate and evidence-informed orientation programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Interact with student success stakeholders in the faculty and university.
• Conduct and publish research on the scholarship of student success and related topics.

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of the public higher education student landscape.
• Excellent facilitation, training, and advisory skills.
• Analytical ability to interpret student data and identify actionable improvements.
• Evidence of scholarship and the ability to conduct research both independently and as part of a research team.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills appropriate to working effectively in a range of contexts and settings with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent English oral presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience of working with online and digital technologies.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills.
• Reliability and conscientiousness, with the ability to follow through with responsibilities.
• The ability to be self-directed: anticipating needs and taking initiative.
• The flexibility to adapt, and to optimise resources in an emerging/changing environment.
• The ability to work independently or in a team, and to manage multiple concurrent responsibilities.

Closing date: 31 August 2026

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Brief Posting description:

• The successful candidates will be expected to supervise Wits law students in assisting clients, manage the delict and labour law units of the Wits Law Clinic and actively contribute to the Wits School of Law as a practising attorney and academic in the Wits School of Law.

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities include the following:

• The lecturing of unit-based topics in the final year LLB course, Practical Legal Studies, including developing and moderating assessments, lecturing in courses offered in the Wits School of Law and undertaking research supervision in the Wits School of Law;
• The supervision of students in the professional management of client matters and files;
• The management of the professional and administrative functions of the respective unit;
• Attending to court appearances on behalf of the Wits Law Clinic clients ;
• The hiring, training, and supervision of candidate legal practitioners; and,
• Contributing to the research output of the Wits Law Clinic.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate: 

• Must be enrolled on the practicing roll of the Legal Practice Council as an Attorney of the High Court; and have a track record as a competent practitioner in the fields of either delict or labour law.
• Must have an LLM degree, or a relevant master’s level qualification;
• At least three years post-admission practicing experience; and,
• Teaching experience is preferred but is not essential.

Deadline:31 Aug 2026

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Brief Posting description:

• The successful candidates will be expected to supervise Wits law students in assisting clients, manage the delict and labour law units of the Wits Law Clinic and actively contribute to the Wits School of Law as a practising attorney and academic in the Wits School of Law.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• The lecturing of unit-based topics in the final year LLB course, Practical Legal Studies, including developing and moderating assessments, lecturing in courses offered in the Wits School of Law and undertaking research supervision in the Wits School of Law;
• The supervision of students in the professional management of client matters and files;
• The management of the professional and administrative functions of the respective unit;
• Attending to court appearances on behalf of the Wits Law Clinic clients ;
• The hiring, training, and supervision of candidate legal practitioners; and,
• Contributing to the research output of the Wits Law Clinic.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate:

• Must be enrolled on the practicing roll of the Legal Practice Council as an Attorney of the High Court; and have a track record as a competent practitioner in the fields of either delict or labour law.
• LLM degree or relevant master’s level qualification and working towards a PhD, or already possess a PhD;
• At least six years post-admission practising experience;
• Recognised contribution to clinical legal education; and,

Evidence of research.
Deadline: 31 Aug 2026

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Brief Posting Description

• The Division of Nephrology in the Department of Internal Medicine invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship.
• This position would be suitable for those with a commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA as a specialist
• The candidate must be a sub-specialist in Nephrology  and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current Joint staff).
• At least 5 years' experience as a sub specialist in Nephrology ,
• At least 5 years’ experience at mid-management level,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.
• Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor or qualify to be awarded the academic title within a 3-year period.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to approve,
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division,
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership of cluster B by participating in the management structures,

Closing date: 31 August 2026

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Requirements, Key Performance Areas & Competencies

• The successful candidate is expected to establish an active and well-funded research programme in their area of geoscience expertise, publishing in internationally-accredited journals, as well as attracting and mentoring a diverse body of postgraduate students.
• They will be required to teach undergraduate courses within the School's existing curriculum, with a particular focus on first-year courses, and to contribute to leading and organising at least one undergraduate-level field trip.

Applicants must provide evidence of:

• A PhD in Geosciences, with a research focus relevant to one or more of the School's core areas of expertise. Expertise in hydrogeology and geometallurgy would be an advantage, although outstanding applicants in other areas of geoscience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in their field, with the ability to apply this across disciplinary boundaries and contribute to the School's broader research and training mission. This will translate into the ability to complement and strengthen one or more of the School's existing research groupings, spanning geology, economic geology, exploration and mining geoscience, geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, palaeontology, hydrogeology, and environmental science.
• A strong record of, or clear potential to establish, an internationally-recognised and externally-funded research programme.
• A publication record in internationally-accredited journals commensurate with the level of appointment.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the ability to develop and deliver courses that strengthen the School's academic programme.
• Experience in, or a clear commitment to, supervising and mentoring a diverse body of postgraduate students, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• Evidence of, or potential for, securing external research funding from national and international funding agencies, commensurate with the level of appointment.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

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Brief Posting Description

• The Division of Dermatology  in the Department of Internal Medicine invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship.
• This position would be suitable for those with a commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA as a specialist
• The candidate must be a sub-specialist in Dermatology and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current Joint staff).
• At least 5 years' experience as a sub specialist in Dermatology,
• At least 5 years’ experience at mid-management level,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.   Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor or qualify to be awarded the academic title within a 3 - year period.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to approve,
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division,
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership of the cluster by participating in the management structures,

Closing Date : 31 August 2026

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• The School of Geosciences at Wits University is seeking a dynamic candidate to join our team as a computational geophysicist at the rank of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Full Professor.
• The successful candidate will carry out a programme of research in the broadly defined area of computational geophysics/geosciences that complements one or more of the School’s current research strengths, especially within our geophysics team.
• They will join one of Africa’s largest and most diverse geosciences institutions, contributing to our academic training programmes while developing their own internationally recognised, externally funded research team. Ideally, the successful candidate will bridge disciplines of geology, geochemistry and geophysics with their computational approach.

Brief Description        
Requirements, Key Performance Areas & Competencies

• The successful candidate is expected to establish an active and well-funded research programme in computational geosciences, publishing research in internationally-accredited journals, as well as attracting and mentoring a diverse body of postgraduate students. They will be required to teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computational geophysics and geosciences, numerical methods, or related quantitative geophysics topics, and participate in at least one field trip at an undergraduate or Honours level.

Applicants must provide evidence of:

• A PhD in Geophysics with clear evidence of relevant cross-disciplinary computational skills.
• A strong record of, or clear potential to establish, an internationally-recognised and externally-funded research programme in computational geosciences (broadly defined).
• Demonstrated expertise in computational methods applied to the geosciences, which may include numerical modelling, high-performance computing, data science, machine learning, or related quantitative approaches.
• A publication record in internationally-accredited journals commensurate with the level of appointment.
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the ability to develop and deliver courses in computational geophysics, geoscience or related quantitative geophysical topics.
• Experience in, or a clear commitment to, supervising and mentoring a diverse body of postgraduate students, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• Evidence of, or potential for, securing external research funding from national and international funding agencies, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• The ability to complement and strengthen one or more of the School’s existing research areas in geophysics, such as potential fields, reflection seismology, earthquake seismology, or electrical methods, alongside bridging our discipline strengths of geology, geochemistry and environmental geoscience with their computational approach.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

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• The School of Geosciences at Wits University is seeking a dynamic candidate to join our team as an Adjunct Professor with industry experience in economic geology and ore systems science.
• The successful candidate will bring multi-commodity expertise across the exploration and mining value chain, and will play a central role in the academic leadership of the MSc Economic Geology (by Coursework and Research Report) and the associated short course programme
• . Adjunct Professors are individuals recognised as exhibiting a set of scarce or extraordinary skills as a result of their professional, commercial, or industrial standing, experience, and affiliations. This is a unique opportunity for a senior industry professional to shape the next generation of economic geoscientists while advancing research and training at the interface of academia and industry. This is a permanent, fully remunerated position, ideally occupied in a full-time capacity, but other modalities can be discussed, with a start date in late 2026 or 1 January 2027.

Brief Description        
Requirements, Key Performance Areas & Competencies

Applicants must provide evidence of the following requirements:

• A minimum of an MSc degree in Geology, Economic Geology, Geosciences, or a closely related field; a PhD in Geosciences would be advantageous but not required.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the mining and/or mineral exploration industry, with demonstrable multi-commodity expertise (e.g., precious metals, base metals, platinum group elements, battery metals, iron ore, or other commodities).
• A strong track record of responsibility in geological roles, including experience at a senior or leadership level.
• Experience working across multiple geological terranes, deposit types, and stages of the mining/exploration value chain (e.g., greenfields exploration, brownfields exploration, resource definition, mining geology, and/or geometallurgy).
• Candidates will not be expected to have extensive evidence of research output (peer-reviewed publications, conference abstracts, etc.) or an extensive postgraduate training record, although such a record will be advantageous; a clear commitment to developing these portfolios is expected.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring or training within industry or academic settings will be advantageous.

Competencies for this position include:

• Deep understanding of ore-forming processes, mineral systems, and their application to exploration targeting and resource evaluation.
• Ability to integrate field-based observations with modern analytical techniques (e.g., geochemistry, geochronology, mineralogy, geophysics) to characterise ore systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences in both academic and industry settings.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage complex programmes and stakeholder relationships.
• A collaborative approach to research and teaching, with a commitment to transformation and the development of a diverse student body.

Key performance areas and responsibilities will include:

• Provide academic leadership for the MSc Economic Geology (Coursework and Research Report) and associated short course programme, including teaching and coordinating modules within the MSc Economic Geology programme.
• Supervise MSc research reports, dissertations and, where appropriate, PhD candidates.
• Coordinate and manage visiting industry lecturers, field excursions, and practical training components.
• Foster innovative pedagogical approaches that integrate current industry practice with academic rigour.
• Develop and grow an active, externally funded research programme in economic geology, ore systems science, or a related field.
• Develop or grow a research portfolio, including publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences. Collaborate with existing research groups within the School and across the University.
• Leverage analytical capabilities of the Earth Observatory and other School facilities in research activities.
• Serve as a key interface between the School and the mining and exploration industry, fostering partnerships, collaborative research, and sponsorship opportunities, while promoting the School’s postgraduate programmes within the broader geological community and industry.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

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Department Description:

• The University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic invites applications for two positions in the fields of labour law and delict to supervise final year Wits Law students in assisting clients and to manage the delict and labour  units in the Wits Law Clinic.
• The University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic is a leading teaching and pro bono law clinic based in the School of Law. The Law Clinic has been operating for over 50 years and is presently the largest South African law clinic. The clinic offers a range of legal services to clients who would not normally be able to afford the services of lawyers and is well known for its litigation in private and public law. The main focus of the Law Clinic is clinical legal education, where Wits law students provide legal services to actual clients, under the supervision of legal practitioners.

Brief Posting description:

• The successful candidates will be expected to supervise Wits law students in assisting clients, manage the delict and labour law units of the Wits Law Clinic and actively contribute to the Wits School of Law as a practising attorney and academic in the Wits School of Law.

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities include the following:

• The lecturing of unit-based topics in the final year LLB course, Practical Legal Studies, including developing and moderating assessments, lecturing in courses offered in the Wits School of Law and undertaking research supervision in the Wits School of Law;
• The supervision of students in the professional management of client matters and files;
• The management of the professional and administrative functions of the respective unit;
• Attending to court appearances on behalf of the Wits Law Clinic clients ;
• The hiring, training, and supervision of candidate legal practitioners; and,
• Contributing to the research output of the Wits Law Clinic.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate:

• Must be enrolled on the practicing roll of the Legal Practice Council as an Attorney of the High Court; and
• Have a track record as a competent practitioner in the fields of either delict or labour law
• Must have a PhD, or alternatively, a national or international reputation as a legal clinician
• Be distinguished in clinical legal education, with distinction in teaching; and
• At least ten years post-admission practising experience.

Remuneration:

• Negotiable in accordance with qualifications, experience, and the University’s existing policies

Deadline: 31 Aug 2026

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• Applicants must satisfy the DHET eligibility requirements for nGAP appointments. Only South African citizens are eligible for appointment. Applicants should be 40 years of age or younger and must be registered for a PhD, or be eligible to register, in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Applied Bioinformatics or a closely related discipline. Further information on the nGAP initiative is available in the DHET nGAP Standard Operating Procedure.

Brief Description        

• Requirements: A MSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Applied Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, with demonstrable knowledge of structural computational biology theory and techniques. Research and teaching experience in structural biology and/or bioinformatics would be an advantage.
• The applicant must be registered for a PhD (preferably at the post-proposal approval stage) or be eligible to register, in accordance with the DHET nGAP requirements.

Duties:

• The main responsibilities, upon completion of the PhD, will include undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in structural computational biology, conducting research, supervising postgraduate projects, and developing an independent research programme. Research collaborations with other researchers at Wits will be encouraged.
• The successful candidate will also undertake administrative duties associated with these responsibilities.
• During the initial years of appointment, the successful candidate will participate in the structured academic development programme prescribed by nGAP, including mentoring and professional development activities, while progressively developing an independent research programme and completing doctoral studies where applicable.

Advantages:

• Experience or prior knowledge of structural computational biology.
• Knowledge of a programming language such as Python and familiarity with Unix-like operating systems.
• Remuneration: A generous remuneration package which includes leave, a retirement fund and medical aid, subject to the University's rules and regulations.

Closing date: 1 September 2026 

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SARChI SA-UK Bilateral Chair in the Digital Humanities, in partnership with the Wits MIND Institute and Wits Research Office

Artificial Intelligence / Computational Humanities

Researcher (Full-time four-year contract)

• The SA-UK Chair in the Digital Humanities, in collaboration with the Wits MIND Institute and the Wits Research Office, seeks to appoint a researcher with a PhD in Computer Science specialising in Artificial Intelligence.
• This is a research-intensive post designed to strengthen and scale existing research across the Faculty of the Humanities through the innovative, critical and responsible application of AI. The successful candidate will work across the Faculty’s five schools and Wits MIND to identify where AI can enhance research design, data acquisition, data analysis, and the integration of computational methods across specific stages of humanities research. The post does not include a formal teaching load, although the appointee will contribute, to a limited extent, to postgraduate supervision, research training and teaching.

Brief Description        
Requirements:

• A candidate must hold a PhD in Computer Science, specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field (at the time of appointment).
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI methods to non-computational, domain-driven research questions (evidence of work in the humanities, social sciences, or interpretive social science is highly desirable).

Experience (Research and Professional):

• Proven competency in AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) and programming languages (Python required; R an advantage).
• Demonstrated experience in at least two of the following areas:
• Natural Language Processing (e.g., large language models, topic modelling, text classification, named entity recognition, retrieval-augmented generation);
• Computer vision or multimodal analysis (e.g., for visual archives, media, or material culture);
• Scalable data acquisition and processing (e.g., web scraping, API integration, data cleaning, dataset curation for specific research contexts);
• Integration of AI into research pipelines (e.g., automating coding, qualitative-quantitative integration, pattern detection in historical or literary corpora).
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities of applying AI in African contexts and/or the Global South, including issues of data scarcity, algorithmic bias, epistemic diversity, and ethical AI design.
• Track record of collaborative, cross-disciplinary research (e.g., as a co-investigator, data scientist embedded in a non-CS project, or consultant on complex research infrastructure).

Duties:

• Work proactively across the Faculty of Humanities and the MIND Institute to identify, scope, and co-design AI-driven enhancements to ongoing research projects in areas such as literary studies, historical archives, media analysis, social science research, education data, and arts-based research.
• Lead the technical implementation of AI methods for data acquisition for the Faculty of Humanities (e.g., building scalable pipelines for digitisation or web-based corpora) and data analysis (e.g., deploying LLMs for historical text analysis, computer vision for visual archives, or predictive models for social science datasets) and build and support MIND (e.g. automated workflow processes to support research and administrative functions)
• Provide training, capacity building, and ongoing consultation to humanities researchers and their postgraduate students, enabling them to critically and effectively use AI tools in their work.
• Contribute to the research output of the Chair and partner units by co-authoring publications, with an average of at least two peer-reviewed articles per year (international, ISI-indexed where appropriate).
• Mentor and co-supervise PhD and Master’s students on AI-integrated humanities projects.
• Contribute to the research ethos and vision of the Chair through participation in seminars, research leadership, dialogue, and ideation.
• Contribute to the operation and sustainability of the Chair’s laboratory and facilities, including software and hardware infrastructure for AI research.
• Support fundraising efforts through grant applications and partnership development.
• Developing a personal research profile alongside the Chair’s through presentations, public engagement, social media, and online presence.

The successful candidate will gain:

• Professional and research independence, with mentorship and guidance from senior researchers while operating at a lecturer-equivalent level of responsibility.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic integration of AI across a large, diverse Faculty of Humanities.
• Experience in research leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and advanced research infrastructure development.
• Engagement in cutting-edge AI research grounded in real-world humanities questions, contributing to African-led Digital Humanities.

Funding & Reporting:

• The position is funded through the Chair, in partnership with the Wits MIND Institute and Wits Research Office.
• The role reports to the SARChI Chair in Digital Humanities, with a dotted line to the Wits MIND Institute (30%) for technical and MIND project alignment.

Period:

• Four years, with possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding.

Eligibility and other information:

• The position is Johannesburg-based, in-person on campus at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Closing date: 1 September 2026 

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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Linguistics (Psycholinguistics) (4 year contract)

• The Department of Linguistics, University of the Witwatersrand, seeks to make a fixed-term appointment at the level of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer (to start in January 2027) for a four-year contract.
• The department offers an undergraduate major in Linguistics, as well as Honours, MA and PhD degrees.
• The department has established an international profile as one of the leading departments in the areas of formal and applied linguistics. We envisage that the successful candidate will play a central role in growing and sustaining that profile.

Brief Description        
Requirements:

• At both levels of appointment, a PhD in Linguistics with a specialization in Psycholinguistics is required.
• Demonstrated ability to teach several undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered in the department.
• Demonstrated capacity to teach psycholinguistics courses.
• Ability to teach Semantics and Pragmatics is a distinct advantage.

At the Lecturer level:

• Competent university-level teaching experience is preferred.
• Clear evidence of research ability and potential
• Appropriate experience or potential in academic administration.

At the Senior Lecturer level:

• Highly developed, sustained record of competent university-level teaching.
• Successful profile in postgraduate student supervision (preferably a sustained record)
• Established independent research profile with a notable publication record.
• Highly developed record of academic administration.
• Demonstrated ability to take on service duties and leadership roles beyond the immediate discipline.
• Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be required to take on administrative and leadership roles within the department; lecture and tutor across a wide-ranging curriculum for all years of study (full-time and part-time); supervise postgraduate students; be research-active in areas related to the discipline, participate in interdisciplinary research and teaching; and take part in the intellectual and public life of the School and University.

Closing Date: 01 September 2026 

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• The Learning Information Networking Knowledge (LINK) Centre is an interdisciplinary academic hub, established in 2000, that is based in the School of Literature, Language and Media (SLLM).
• The LINK Centre’s work spans technology, innovation and digital transformation. It operates at the intersections of policy studies, law and regulation, economics, informatics, information science and digital engineering. The LINK Centre team undertakes research, teaching, advisory work and engagement across these domains.

Brief Description        

• The LINK Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) invites applications for a fixed-term (3-year) Lecturer position in the field of digital governance, policy and regulation. The successful candidate will take a leading role in the convening and delivery of the Centre’s professional certificate programmes, while contributing to research, policy engagement and broader LINK Centre activities.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Teaching and Programme Convening

• Convene and coordinate professional certificate programmes, including:
• Governance, Policy and Regulation for the Digital Era (GPRDE)
• The Digital Transformation Lifecycle
• Design and update curricula to ensure relevance to evolving policy, regulatory and industry contexts.  
• Deliver high quality teaching in blended delivery modes.  
• Contribute to postgraduate teaching and supervision, including on the MA in ICT Policy and Regulation and related degree programmes. 

Research and Knowledge Production

• Conduct and publish research in areas such as digital governance, cybersecurity policy, data governance and AI regulation.
• Contribute to LINK Centre outputs, including working papers, policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications.
• Support the development of externally funded research and capacity-building projects.

Policy Engagement and Professional Outreach

• Engage with policymakers, regulators and industry through training, dialogues and advisory activities.
• Contribute to the Centre’s policy engagement initiatives, including workshops, roundtables and conferences.
• Support the growth and visibility of LINK Centre professional education offerings.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in ICT Policy, ICT Law, Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity Policy, or a related discipline relevant to digital innovation and digital transformation. Applicants who are nearing completion of a PhD and can demonstrate substantial progress toward completion will also be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital governance, ICT policy and regulation, cybersecurity governance, digital transformation.
• Experience in teaching, curriculum development, programme coordination, supervision, or convening professional, executive or higher education programmes.
• Evidence of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, policy reports or a clearly defined and promising research trajectory.

Added Advantages

• Experience in engagement with policymakers, regulators or international organisations.
• Experience with online or blended learning design and delivery.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research and teaching.

Closing Date : 14 September 2026

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• Applications are invited for a single position at Lecturer level
• The applicant must have a PhD and appropriate research and teaching experience in Archaeological Sciences. The School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies (GAES) is a dynamic multidisciplinary intellectual hub for advancing multifaceted archaeological, geographical and environmental knowledge globally.
• The school aspires to be a leader in its subject fields in the Global South by being a research-intensive centre of geographical, archaeological, and environmental studies, while maintaining student-centric teaching, all to support Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. Wits has world-class facilities for conducting research, including appropriate laboratory facilities, equipment, and access to field sites.

Brief Description        
Minimum qualification/requirement

• A PhD in Archaeology or cognate environmental discipline. 
• An archaeological scientist with active research projects
• Proven ability to publish in local and international journals, some experience in teaching undergraduate courses face to face and online, some postgraduate supervision and administrative portfolio management preferable.
• Expertise in ecology, palaeoenvironment or environmental archaeology is preferred.
• Specialisations for this position would incorporate modern quantitative methods including archaeological sciences. Archaeological sciences encompass a broad range of specialisations that incorporate scientific analysis, for example ZooMS, isotope analysis, pollen and phytolith analysis, residue analysis, ceramic analysis, archaeometallurgy, ancient DNA, geospatial analysis, predictive modelling, AI applications, or machine learning.   
• Ability to attract research grant funding.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English
• Valid driver’s license (at least code B)

Personal attributes

• The ideal candidate should have the following:
• Collegiality and willingness to work with other members of staff.
• Ability to work in collaborative research network.
• Enthusiasm and passion for excellence in teaching and research

Key Performance Areas
The candidate is required to:

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Archaeology and Environmental Studies.
• Apply appropriate teaching techniques to stimulate students' interest and enhance their experience.
• Generate research publications and related outputs
• Supervise postgraduate students
• Undertake administration of academic functions
• Contribute to academic citizenship activities to enhance the Archaeology and Environmental Studies professions.
• Contribute to strengthening the Archaeology and Environmental Studies programmes in the school, such as course development, course assessment and curriculum review.
• Participate in the School and University Committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Closing date: 17 September 2026 

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• We are actively seeking candidates specializing in Algebra, Analytic Combinatorics, Logic, and Number Theory. We also highly encourage applications from researchers across all other fields of Mathematics.

Brief Description        
Minimum qualification/requirements/criteria
Senior Lecturer

• An appropriate PhD in Mathematics or equivalent
• Teaching experience at tertiary level, proven record of excellence in teaching and commitment to pursuing innovative teaching strategies
• Evidence of relevant research activity
• Proven experience in supervision of MSc or PhD students
• Proven experience in service applicable in the university context

Associate Professor

• An appropriate PhD in Mathematics or equivalent
• Teaching experience at tertiary level, proven record of excellence in teaching and commitment to pursuing innovative teaching strategies including successful curriculum development
• A proven track record of sustaining high-quality research output in peer-reviewed journals
• Proven experience in successful supervision of MSc or PhD students
• Proven experience in service applicable in the university context
• Evidence of leadership within a university department, academic society, or professional body.

Duties:

• The successful candidate will be expected to participate in teaching all aspects of the discipline at undergraduate level, maintain an active research & postgraduate supervision profile and participate in the administration of the School, Faculty and University. Additionally, at the Associate Professor level, the successful candidate will assume School-level administrative portfolios, participate in Faculty and University committees, and mentor junior academic staff. Additionally, they will be expected to actively secure national and international research funding from bodies such as the NRF and global entities.
• The successful candidate will also have the exciting opportunity to contribute to the newly established Wits Academy for Mathematical Pedagogy, Learning and Innovation for First-Year (AMPLIFY). This pioneering unit is central to the faculty’s commitment to transforming learning and teaching in large first year courses in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and enhancing foundational student support.
• This would place the candidate at the forefront of educational innovation, with a focus on designing and delivering curricula for large, diverse cohorts, piloting new digital pedagogies, and engaging in academic support and enrichment initiatives. It is an ideal platform for those looking to make a tangible impact on student success, offering a unique opportunity to influence teaching and learning practices at scale, and develop a profile in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Closing date: 21 September 2026

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• The Department of Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand is looking to appoint one (1) new member of academic staff at the level of Lecturer or Senior Lecturer. 
• This is a permanent position at the rank of either Lecturer or Senior Lecturer (1 position). The thematic specialization of this post is open to all areas of Political Studies. The Department is particularly keen to encourage applications from scholars who have knowledge of, and are prepared to teach in, Political Theory, Political Economy, and/or the Politics of Gender and Feminism.

Brief Description        
Duties:

• The successful candidate will be expected to be able to immediately integrate into the Departmental community and will need to teach large and diverse classes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, cooperating with colleagues in advancing the objectives of the Department, and contributing actively to the intellectual, communal and administrative life of the Department and University.

Requirements:

• Candidates at both Lecturer and Senior Lecturer levels should possess a PhD. Candidates with experience with university teaching, supervision of post-graduate students, and an established publication record will have a strong advantage at both levels. Candidates with an established track record of academic administration, fundraising and additional supervision at MA and/or Ph.D. level will have an advantage at the Senior Lecturer level. Appointment at Senior Lecturer will take place according to the relevant institutional criteria established by the University for promotion to this level. 

Closing date: 21 September 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
• Committeerelated 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: 24 August 2026

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Key Performance Areas

• Perform high-quality foetal ultrasound scans, Carotid IMT, renal and echocardiography following clinical protocols.
• Assess foetal development, anatomy, and detect abnormalities.
• Ensure correct positioning of the patient for optimal imaging.
• Explain procedures to patients and address concerns with empathy.
• Maintain patient comfort and privacy throughout the scan.
• Obtain informed consent before conducting ultrasound examinations.
• Operate and adjust ultrasound machines to optimize image quality.
• Perform routine maintenance and report equipment issues.
• Stay updated on the latest ultrasound technology and techniques.
• Capture and analyse high-quality images for research data collection and screening purposes.
• Provide preliminary findings to the study leads and complete referrals were relevant.
• Accurately document scan results on REDCAP.
• Recruitment and identification of women in early pregnancy before 14 weeks gestation in partnership with local clinical services as appropriate approvals allow.
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback.
• Take ownership for driving own career development by participating in on-going training and development activities such as workshops, forums, conferences etc.
• Apply knowledge of the organisational systems, structures, policies, and procedures to achieve results.
• Provide appropriate resolution for tasks or deadlines not met.
• Support and drive the organisation’s core values.
• Take ownership for driving own career development.
• Required minimum education and training
• National Degree or Diploma in diagnostic ultrasound.

Required minimum work experience

• Minimum 2 years
• Professional body registration
• HPCSA
• Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities
• 1-2 years of hands-on experience in obstetric and fetal imaging.
• Experience in conducting 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester scans.
• Experience in fetal biometry, anatomy surveys, doppler and anomaly detection

Closing date:

24 August 2026

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Main Purpose:

• The Solution Architect is responsible for designing endtoend technology solutions that meet business needs while aligning with the University's Enterprise Architecture principles, technology standards, security requirements, and strategic objectives.
• The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders, project teams, solution providers and technical specialists to ensure that solutions are scalable, secure, integrated, and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle. This aligns with the original role objective of designing solution architectures and governing implementation across business and technology domains.

Brief Description        
Key Responsibilities:

Solution Architecture:

• Design endtoend solution architectures for ICT projects.
• Produce highquality architecture deliverables including:
• Solution Architecture Documents
• Integration Architecture
• Infrastructure Architecture
• Security Architecture
• Application Landscape Models
• Data Flow Diagrams
• Ensure solutions align with Enterprise Architecture standards and principles.

Architecture Governance:

• Present solution designs to the Enterprise Architecture Review Group (EARG).
• Ensure projects comply with ICT governance processes.
• Review technical designs and recommend improvements.
• Identify architecture risks and mitigation strategies.
• Support technology standards and reference architectures.

Business Engagement:

• Work with business stakeholders to understand business capabilities and requirements.
• Translate business requirements into technology solutions.
• Facilitate architecture workshops.
• Provide architecture guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Integration & Data Architecture:

• Design secure system integrations. 
• Promote APIfirst integration patterns. 
• Ensure data governance principles are followed. 
• Support identity management, SSO and API security.

Technology Leadership:

• Evaluate emerging technologies. 
• Provide recommendations on cloud adoption, AI, integration platforms and enterprise applications. 
• Promote reuse of enterprise capabilities and shared services. 
• Reduce technology duplication.

Security & Risk:

• Ensure solutions comply with:
• Cybersecurity standards
• Privacy legislation (POPIA)
• ICT Security Policies
• Disaster Recovery requirements
• Identify architecture risks before implementation.

Project Support:

• Participate throughout project delivery.
• Support procurement evaluations.
• Review vendor proposals.
• Assist project teams during implementation.
• Verify solution implementation against approved architecture.

Requirements: 

• Relevant degree (e.g. BCOM IT or BSc Comp Science) 
• Minimum 3 yrs’ experience in Solution Architecture, 5 yrs or more preferred
• Knowledge of Architecture Methodologies, Standards, Practices, Governance, Reference PatternsStrong Business/Industry knowledge and familiar with Industry IT Solutions

One or more of the following is desirable:

• TOGAF Certified
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect
• AWS Solutions Architect
• Google Cloud Professional Architect
• ITIL
• COBIT
• ArchiMate
• Security certifications

Closing Date: 25 August 2026

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• At the DAAD Information Center (IC) at the University of the Witwatersrand, you will provide information about studying and researching in Germany and offer advice on choosing an appropriate study program and university. In addition, the IC informs about funding opportunities from DAAD and other German intermediary organizations and maintains contacts with Southern African alumni of German universities.

Against this background, your responsibilities include the following:

• Management of the local office’s business, including personnel management of the small team, budget responsibility, representation of the DAAD, and acting as a contact person for local and supraregional cooperation partners in consultation with headquarters.
• Coordination of information and advisory services on site for all areas of scientific cooperation between Germany and South Africa, as well as study and scholarship counseling (including advising prospective students and young researchers).
• Coordination of public relations activities (website, social media activities), as well as developing suitable and region-specific marketing measures for university and research marketing; representing the DAAD at university fairs.
• Contribution to DAAD knowledge management through continuous analysis of the national education and university system, as well as the research landscape, including advising German universities.
• Participation in the preparation and supervision of selection meetings for DAAD scholarship programs and other funding programs in consultation with the specialist departments.
• Networking and expansion of networks with alumni, universities, research institutions, and local partners of the DAAD.

Requirements 

• A relevant Honours Degree (NQF8), whilst a relevant master’s degree is an advantage
• Very good knowledge of the German and South African university and research landscapes.
• Solid experience in the conception and implementation of events, as well as in public relations.
• Very good knowledge of English as well as very good German language skills in spoken and written form.
• Interest in setting up effective office organization and financial management of the office, including budget planning and accounting; ideally, experience in scholarship funding, grant law, and project funding.
• Leadership experience and experience dealing with small teams is desirable.
• Confident handling of MS Office products and social media.
• Experience with SAP programs (S/4HANA) is desirable.
• Ability to work independently, pronounced team spirit, and very good intercultural communication skills.
• Resilience, reliability, and negotiation skills.

Closing Date : 31 August 2026

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• Wits University Press (WUP) is a leading scholarly publisher committed to advancing academic knowledge through high-quality publications that contribute to intellectual debate and research excellence. We are seeking an experienced, innovative and strategic leader to fill the position of Publishing Director. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction and overall management of WUP, ensuring its continued financial sustainability, publishing excellence and international reputation.

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities and activities include the following:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading the strategic development and growth of Wits University Press.
• Driving business sustainability and financial performance.
• Managing and expanding the scholarly publishing programme.
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors, publishers, distributors, academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
• Overseeing publishing operations, including editorial, production, marketing and digital publishing activities.
• Managing and developing staff while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Representing WUP and the University at local and international conferences, book fairs and industry forums.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant university policies, legal requirements and publishing standards.

Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience.   

• Master's Degree (NQF Level 9).
• At least 7 years' relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in scholarly or academic publishing.
• Strong business, financial and leadership experience.
• Excellent writing, editorial and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Proven interpersonal, networking and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable requirements:

• PhD (NQF Level 10).
• Publishing degree or diploma.
• Diploma or equivalent training in financial management.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in publishing and leadership roles.
• Knowledge of emerging publishing technologies and trends in academia.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership
• Scholarly publishing expertise
• Financial and business acumen
• Editorial judgement and critical thinking
• Relationship management and networking
• Staff leadership and development
• Presentation and reporting skills
• Negotiation and contract management 

Closing date:13 September 2026