Professor / Associate Professor and Head of Department (One Position) - Department of Physics - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

Job Description
The University of Pretoria is seeking a highly motivated, internationally recognised scientist to lead the Department of Physics and the associated Laboratory for Microscopy and Microanalysis (LMM).

The ideal candidate will have experience in academic administration in a university context, and demonstrate a record of developing and executing strategies in support of an over-arching vision. The incumbent in this position will actively support and drive the commitment of the University of Pretoria’s 2025 vision to become a leading research-intensive university in Africa.  This vision requires departmental strategies for international research collaboration, enabling research with impact, developing innovative hybrid teaching models, support effective supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, drive inclusive transformation processes and steward impactful community engagement. Active networks in industry and the international donor community will be important enablers to achieve this vision.

The growth areas in Physics include radioastronomy, with a focus on very long baseline interferometry, and the biophysics of photosynthetic systems. The Department’s strengths lie in the study of materials for energy applications, including storage solutions, renewable and nuclear, and for electronic applications. Additionally, the department excels in computational physics, as well as theoretical research in quantum systems, high energy physics, and mathematical physics.

The Laboratory for Microscopy and Microanalysis offers state-of-the-art electron microscopy analysis (SEM and TEM) services. These are available to both life science and material science researchers within the University, as well as to external users.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• The strategic, academic and operational management of the Department;
• Strategically developing and marketing the Department to increase its African and international standing;
• Promoting the Department’s research profile;
• Ensuring scholarly academic and professional education and training;
• Maintaining and enhancing the academic strength and visibility of the three disciplines, including critical mass of academic staff and academic support staff;
• Providing leadership to the division chairs,
• Playing an active role as academic leader of the disciplines at national and international levels;
• Fundraising for departmental activities; and
• Improving the Department’s diversity and Employment Equity (EE) profile.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant doctorate with at least ten year’s relevant experience;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional associations;
• A proven research and publication record and peer recognition;
• Academic status and established national recognition in the relevant discipline for appointment at Associate Professor level, but both national and international recognition in the relevant discipline for appointment at Professor level;
• An appropriate vision for the Department to ensure it remains a leading department in Africa;
• A proven track record of successful masters and doctoral student supervision;  
• A good track record of international research collaboration and successful acquisition of external research grants; and
• A proven record of curriculum development and recognised teaching and learning excellence at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Managerial skills and competencies;
• Strong leadership and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Diversity management skills;
• The ability to lead research programmes;
• Ability to raise funds;
• The ability to participate in and contribute to international networks; and
• Innovation and creativity.

 ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution;
• An appropriate NRF rating, or equivalent evidence of high international standing.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• a comprehensive CV;
• certified copies of qualifications;
• names, email addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
• names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research);
• self-evaluation;
• teaching portfolio; and
• your vision for the department.

CLOSING DATE: 26 July 2024