Associate Professor: Media and Cultural Studies

University of KwaZulu-Natal; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications for Associate Professor: Media & Cultural Studies. The School of Arts seeks an exceptional academic to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, and the supervision of Honours, Master’s and doctoral research.

The successful candidate will lead an active research programme, attract external funding, publish in peer‑reviewed outlets, and provide academic leadership and mentorship while fulfilling

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Media and Cultural Studies or a relevant discipline.
• At least six (6) years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level, with a career total of between 18 and 30 peer‑reviewed journal articles, book chapters or books (or equivalent) in DHET/SAPSE-accredited outlets.
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at the Master’s and PhD levels, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of national recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department/School/College/University, which includes mentorship.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Media and Cultural Studies, including curriculum development and review; the supervision of Honours, Master’s and doctoral research; the development of an active research programme, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, external research funding and presentations at national and international conferences; academic leadership, including the mentoring of junior colleagues and postgraduate students; academic citizenship, community engagement, related to the discipline; and administration within the Discipline, School and College, which may include programme co-ordination.
• The Incumbent will be reporting to the Head of Discipline: Cultural Studies, Media & Fine Arts.

Education

PhD in Media and Cultural Studies or relevant discipline

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: MEDIA & CULTURAL STUDIES (2 POSTS)

SCHOOL OF ARTS

HOWARD COLLEGE & PIETERMARITZBURG CAMPUS

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top Universities in South Africa and in the top 500 Universities globally. The School of Arts is well established with a strong research profile and has a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The incumbent will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Media and Cultural Studies, including curriculum development and review; the supervision of Honours, Master’s and doctoral research; the development of an active research programme, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, external research funding and presentations at national and international conferences; academic leadership, including the mentoring of junior colleagues and postgraduate students; academic citizenship, community engagement, related to the discipline; and administration within the Discipline, School and College, which may include programme co-ordination.

The Incumbent will be reporting to the Head of Discipline: Cultural Studies, Media & Fine Arts

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD degree in Media and Cultural Studies or a relevant discipline
• At least six (6) years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level, with a career total of between 18 and 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters or books (or equivalent) in DHET/SAPSE-accredited outlets
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at the Master’s and PhD levels, appropriate for the level
• Evidence of national recognition in a research area within the discipline
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department/School/College/University, which includes mentorship

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website at http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to Professor M Stewart, email: [e-mail]

Appointment to this position will be on the 2018 Conditions of Service.

The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 November 2026.