Research jobs in South Africa

The University of Pretoria is one of the leading research-intensive universities in South Africa. Its nine faculties and business school offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. We are a diverse and dynamic community of staff and students committed to excellence, diversity, sustainability, and making a difference.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

In pursuit of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.

The Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology was established as a merged department in 2018. The Department is structured in four divisions, three of which are the custodians of the three base disciplines, namely Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The fourth division encompasses Research and Postgraduate Education. The Department is both teaching and research intensive; not only is it one of the largest in the faculty, but it is also consistently one of the top performing research departments at the University of Pretoria. Through its 51 research leaders, the Department currently supervises more than 250 MSc and PhD candidates and 40 postdoctoral researchers.

The annual enrolment in the Department across three years of study is in the order of 3400 students. The degree programmes offered do not only prepare graduates for a large diversity of postgraduate specializations but also for the local and international job market.

The research focus of the research groups broadly includes human and animal health, plant-pathogen interactions, bio-economy, bio-informatics and biodiversity. We foster strong intra-and interfaculty linkages within UP, as well as inter-institutional- and industry ties. Our goal is to advance basic and applied knowledge and skills that contribute to solutions for the grand challenges facing South Africa, Africa and the rest of the globe.

The University of Pretoria invites applications for the position of associate professor or professor, and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The University seeks to appoint a highly motivated and internationally recognised scientist who will provide academic leadership and strategic direction to the Department, while at the same time build on significant teaching and learning innovation.

The successful candidate will be expected to strengthen and expand the Department’s research programmes and facilities in a manner that complements existing areas of expertise, but also aligns with future areas of growth, and in so doing, contribute to the advancement of the University’s position as a leading research-intensive institution in Africa. The incumbent will be responsible for the academic and administrative management of the Department, including the promotion of research excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.

In addition to administrative duties, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching and learning at undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate levels, and will supervise students across all levels of study. The successful candidate should also have proven experience of effective academic administration within a university environment, and the ability to build and maintain productive partnerships with industry and the international donor community.

Applicants should have a proven record of international research collaboration, teaching, and student supervision, and be committed to advancing the University’s transformation objectives.

• 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 all three disciplines in the Department, including critical mass of academic staff and academic support staff in these disciplines;
• Providing leadership to the departmental division chairs;
• Playing an active role as academic leader of the disciplines at national and international levels;
• Fundraising for departmental activities;
• Improving the Department’s diversity and Employment Equity (EE) profile.

• A relevant doctorate with specialisation in Biochemistry, Genetics or Microbiology with at least ten year’s relevant experience;
• The candidate must possess the requisite qualifications and experience to be eligible for appointment as Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria, the assessment of which is based on several factors, including teaching, research and postgraduate supervision, community engagement, academic administration and academic citizenship;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional associations;
• Academic status and both national and international recognition in the relevant discipline;
• A proven research and publication record and peer recognition;
• Evidence of experience with teaching and learning management at a level higher than that of a course;
• Evidence of improved teaching and learning outcomes due to intentional interventions;
• An appropriate vision for the Department.

• Managerial skills and competencies;
• Strong leadership and communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Diversity management skills;
• Curriculum development and teaching and learning innovation skills;
• The ability to lead research programmes.

• A strong research record in one of the Department’s research specialisation fields.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

The Head of Department is a term appointment for four (4) years. External candidates will also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select About UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position you would like to apply for.

The following documents must be attached when applying for this position:

• A cover letter, comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, as well as a full employment history;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• A self-evaluation of your suitability for appointment in the post;
• Vision for the Department;
• Teaching portfolio;
• Research portfolio (including record of citation index scores);
• The names and contact details of at least three referees (one national and two international) who can attest to your academic stature and leadership qualities.

The University reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to prepare a ten-minute oral presentation to the Faculty Recruitment and Selection Committee on their vision for the department.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant competencies assessments as part of the selection process (if applicable).

13 February 2026

Prof VJ Maharaj, Tel: (012) 4203210 or e-mail: vinesh.maharaj@up.ac.za for position related enquiries

Mrs NL Radebe, Tel: (012) 4202085 or e-mail: nontando.radebe@up.ac.za for application process enquiries.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

Under the University's Employment Equity Plan and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but it is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 April 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.