Associate Professor (Development Studies)

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid (UP partial contribution)

Salary commensurate with appointment

Job summary

University of Pretoria invites applications for Associate Professor (Development Studies) in the Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies. The role focuses on postgraduate teaching, supervision, and high-quality research leadership within a vibrant, multidisciplinary department.

The appointee will contribute to development studies curricula, engage with external stakeholders, and lead fundraising and transdisciplinary research initiatives aligned with UP's academic goals.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Development Studies or cognate discipline (or equivalent).
• Publications in accredited journals or equivalent outputs in the last five years relevant to the post level.
• Evidence of successful postgraduate supervision.
• Evidence of teaching experience at tertiary level.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and curriculum development at postgraduate level in Development Studies.
• Supervision of Honours, Masters, and PhD students in Anthropology and Development Studies.
• Planning, conducting and publishing high quality research in peer-reviewed, accredited publications.
• Participating in the Department’s strategic initiatives relating to teaching, research, community engagement and fundraising.
• Offering strategic intellectual and academic leadership.
• Developing Curricular Community Engagement programmes for Development Studies modules.
• Participating in international academic and disciplinary associations, conferences, journals, etc.
• Participating in departmental administrative duties, including coordination of the Development Studies programme.

Skills

Interdisciplinary research

Leadership

Stakeholder liaison

Academic administration

Fundraising

Independent research

Supervision of postgraduate students

Teaching at postgraduate level

Communication skills

Education

Doctoral degree in Development Studies or cognate discipline

Job description

UP Posting - Academic

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (Development Studies)

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

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.

The Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies is a multidisciplinary department in the Faculty of Humanities. As one of the fastest growing departments in the Faculty, the Department offers programmes at undergraduate (Anthropology and Archaeology) and postgraduate (Anthropology, Archaeology, and Development Studies) levels. The combination of programmes in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Development Studies provides innovative and insightful opportunities for research as well as teaching and learning.

The Department is a unique academic space where key socio-political and economic challenges experienced across the African continent and beyond are addressed. How change manifests across time and into the future informs the ethos of this Department. Students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level are taught to analyse complex data, interpret material, and conduct ethnographic fieldwork to understand how people live/d in different social and cultural settings in Africa and beyond. These aspects are key to a vibrant transdisciplinary research programme and to developing well-rounded researchers and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and curriculum development at postgraduate level in Development Studies;
• Supervision of Honours, Masters, and PhD students in Anthropology and Development Studies;
• Planning, conducting and publishing high quality research in peer-reviewed, accredited publications;
• Participating in the Department’s strategic initiatives relating to teaching, research, community engagement and fundraising;
• Offering strategic intellectual and academic leadership;
• Developing Curricular Community Engagement programmes for Development Studies modules;
• Participating in international academic and disciplinary associations, conferences, journals, etc;
• Participating in departmental administrative duties, including coordination of the Development Studies programme.

Minimum Requirements

• A doctoral degree in Development Studies or a cognate discipline;
• Publications in accredited journals or equivalent recognised outputs within the last five years, appropriate to the post level;
• Evidence of successful postgraduate student supervision;
• Evidence of teaching experience at tertiary level.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• International recognition in the field;
• Academic status in the relevant discipline;
• Experience in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research collaboration;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders;
• A relevant and clear vision for the Development Studies with short, medium- and long-term strategic goals;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills;
• Excellent human relations and people skills;
• Experience in academic administration;
• Evidence of external/third stream fundraising;
• Appropriate experience in conducting independent research.

Added Advantages And Preferences

The following will be a strong recommendation:

• Academic monograph, published or nearly published;
• Involvement in local and international research networks;
• A critical and multi-disciplinary approach to Development Studies;
• National Research Foundation rating;
• Evidence of graduating PhD students;
• Existing Development Studies research projects;
• Ability to raise third-stream income;
• Positive, driven, competent and collegial, with a critical intellectual attitude.

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

CLOSING DATE: 9 September 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms Vidisha Reddy, [e-mail], for application-related enquiries, and Prof Vusi Thebe, [e-mail], for enquiries relating to the post contents.

Please note: no applications will be received via these email addresses and candidates should apply on the Careers@UP portal as stated above.

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

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

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

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