Job Vacancies at University of Kwazulu-Natal

Job description

• The SCHOOL OF MEDICINE wishes to appoint an academic with relevant experience in epidemiology who will be based in the Discipline of Public Health.
• The candidate will be expected to develop and contribute to Epidemiology teaching and research as part of a multidisciplinary team in Public Health.
• The candidate will participate in team-based research, post-graduate teaching, and research supervision in the Discipline.

Minimum requirements

Applicants should have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Epidemiology or a related field
• A PhD Degree in Epidemiology or a related field
• Epidemiology teaching experience
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Valid driver’s license
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages
• Successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters’ and/or PhD levels

Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The incumbent will be expected to contribute to teaching and research within the discipline of Psychology. S/he will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum development, and supervise postgraduate students.
• For the position of Senior Lecturer, in addition to the ability to teach in generic modules in psychology, it is recommended that the incumbent should be able to teach in Educational Psychology Assessment.
• S/he will also be expected to offer support in the design and development of the curriculum for the Master of Social Sciences in Educational Psychology programme.

The incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Psychology

Minimum requirements

• PhD degree in Psychology or a related field
• A professional Masters degree in Educational Psychology
• At least 3 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry
• Evidence of current and sustained research publication record in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level
• A track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and/or PhD level as appropriate for the level.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for research grants, either as the Principal Investigator or as a member of a team.
• Evidence of registration with the Health Professions Council as an Educational Psychologist with at least three years’ experience post-registration

Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The school has an active Psychology discipline with a strong research profile, and a large number of postgraduate students with vibrant postgraduate research programme.
• The incumbent will be expected to contribute to teaching and research within the discipline of psychology. S/he will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum development, and supervise postgraduate students.
• For the position of Senior Lecturer, in addition to the ability to teach in generic modules in psychology, it is recommended that the incumbent should be able to teach in psychological assessment, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and/or forensic psychology.

The incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Psychology.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
• A professional Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.                                                                                                 
• At least 3 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry.
• Evidence of a current and sustained research publication record in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level
• A track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and/or PhD level as appropriate for the level.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for research grants, either as the Principal Investigator or as a member of a team.
• Evidence of registration with the Health Professions Council as a Clinical Psychologist with at least three years’ experience post-registration.

Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The current context of Higher Education in the South Africa is seeing an increasing focus on the student voice, with funding pressures and competition at a new level.
• Showing the value of a particular university’s degree and overall offering is more and more critical. In response to this, the University has developed a strategic approach to handling the entire student life cycle that is building on its strengths and positioning it as a leader in the sector.
• The role of Executive Director (Student Services) will be to oversee the full student life cycle at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, leading on relevant areas including the whole of the student pastoral journey, including student residential life, extracurricular engagement, and student innovations 

The Executive Director (Student Services):

• Manages the administration of the Directorate of Students Services (SSD) for the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
• Serves as an advocate for students, and
• Shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that promote student success, and wellbeing.
• The incumbent is a full member of the senior leadership team, serves on the Executive Management Committee, and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
• With other members of the Executive Management Committee, the Executive Director- Student Services will lead the creation of a culture of learning and engagement for UKZN students by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promote students' academic and personal success, thereby increasing UKZN student employability.

Minimum requirements

• A Master’s Degree in a discipline recognised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Fifteen (15) years of relevant and appropriate experience, of which eight (8) years need to have been at a senior management level.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in student funding, financial aid, student discipline, student accommodation, and student wellness programmes.
• Experience in interacting with student governance in higher education and an understanding of student culture in a transforming institution.

Personal and Leadership attributes:

• The incumbent must be an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities, who is an nstitutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the Colleges and Professional Services Sector involving staff across the institution and with stakeholders.

In addition, s/he would be expected to have:

• The ability to inspire and motivate.
• Proven capabilities as a team leader.
• Good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills for written work, public relations, networking, and team building.
• The ability to make considered, well-balanced, and reasoned decisions.
• An inclusive and collegial management style.
• The ability to represent the University at formal events and meetings with external bodies and to establish relationships with stakeholders.
• The ability to understand developments in the higher education arena, both nationally and internationally, and a high regard for learning and teaching practices, scholarship, and research.

Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The Executive Director Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, and in linking human resource management with organisational strategy.
• The Executive Director Human Resources manages the University’s Human Resources Division, including the Division’s budget; and will oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources and Organisational Development and Reward Services. The University of KwaZulu-Natal strives to establish the University as an Employer of Choice in the South African Higher Education Sector and the Executive Director Human
• Resources will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to achieve this objective, by the creation and maintaining of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement and wellbeing. The Executive Director Human Resources reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Minimum requirements

• An appropriate Master’s Degree.
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
•  Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment.
• Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others.
•  Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions.
• Experience in change management and advocacy.
•  Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services.
• The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning

Personal and leadership Attributes

• The incumbent must be a person with exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics; who is an institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour; who gives leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments; and capably engage all external University Stakeholders.

In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:

• An ability to provide strategic human resource direction to the Colleges.
• Sound judgement, above-average analytical ability, and a conceptual thinker.
• A champion of delivering above-average results by being committed to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges, and diligently executing assignments.
• Exceptional self- and people-management skills.
• Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, managing teams, and fostering productive working relationships.
• Respect for confidentiality and trustworthiness.
• Relevant business and administrative management acumen.
• Capability to undertake and manage strategic projects and assignments.
• Ability to provide competent, respectful, and ethical leadership.
• Puts into practice and embodies the University Values – R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty, and Trust).

Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research and Innovation provides intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the area of research, innovation and knowledge exchange. S/he will be expected to lead the development and implementation of the University’s overall strategy to meet its goal of pre-eminence in research.
• This entails building a research ethos that fosters excellence, encourages novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students in order to be a pre-eminent producer of new knowledge both locally and globally, and defines UKZN as the premier university of African scholarship.
• The Libraries that provide critical support services for research fall within this portfolio, as does the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and UKZN InQubate.
• This is a highly demanding position requiring a thorough understanding of research, considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities, and alignment with the University’s values.The Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Minimum requirements

• PhD/Doctorate
• A Full Professor for five years with experience in an academic/research leadership role.
• An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record to engender respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies
• A distinguished research background having published highly cited papers in peer-reviewed journals
• A successful track record in devising and implementing strategic change and strategies for growth as well as driving organisational development and effectiveness
• Evidence of successful networking and collaboration with external partners and research funding agencies
•  A track record of personal excellence in leading and managing a large and diverse staff complement
• Excellence project management skills with strong evidence of successful large scale project delivery
• A demonstrable record of leadership and management capabilities having worked with researchers, policy makers, community leaders and leaders of the private sector
• Experience of constructing research partnerships which span national research system: universities, science councils, private sector laboratories and government research agencies; and the ability to represent the University in national and global forums about research and research development
• A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University
• Experience in working with all the various academic and administrative functions, especially research and both at the levels of policy and implementation
• Knowledge and understanding of Higher Education environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of all laws, regulations and policies including but not limited to clinical trial agreement, research ethics and intellectual property
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of academic research environment and current issues in research administration, policy and funding
• A thorough knowledge of South Africa’s science and technology systems, particularly the role of Universities in the creation of knowledge related to development imperatives confronting South Africa.

Strong interpersonal capabilities, an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students and across the institution and with stakeholders.In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:

• To provide strategic direction by exercising good judgement, demonstrating excellent analytical ability and conceptual thinking.
• To champion the delivery of greater results by committing to action, displaying resistance and executing assignments.
•  To manage self and others, demonstrate self awareness, building talent and ability to manage diverse teams.
•  To foster productive working relationships by resourcing projects and assignments,
• And living University Values – R.E.A.C.H.T ( Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation and Honesty)

 Apply by: 23 October 2026

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Job description

• The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the payments to suppliers are processed accurately and timeously and that the liability raised is correctly due and payable.
• This includes processing foreign payments and instant money payments. The incumbent is responsible for the vetting of tax invoices for compliance, capturing invoices and credit notes onto the ITS system and preparing supplier reconciliations. 
• The incumbent will report to the Head of Creditors

Minimum requirements

• A relevant 3-year degree or diploma Majoring in Accounting.
• 3 years’ relevant  experience within a creditors division.
• Ability to scrutinize documents for compliance and accuracy.
• Experience in processing supplier payments and creditors reconciliations.
• Understanding of the Universities policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in MS word, Microsoft Outlook and MS Excel operation. 

 Apply by: 9 October 2026