Associate Professor/ Professor and Head of Department (African Languages)

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Pretoria seeks an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department in African Languages. This role involves facilitating collaboration between diverse language sections, advancing research agendas, and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A doctorate in a relevant field and a proven record of research and teaching excellence are necessary. The position offers a comprehensive remuneration package and a term appointment for four years.

Benefits

Medical aid schemes participation

Support for departmental activities

Qualifications

• Proven research publication record appropriate to the post level.
• Record of postgraduate supervision appropriate to the post level.
• Strong academic administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate collaboration between language sections.
• Act as academic leader in two departments.
• Advance the research agenda of various language sections.

Skills

Academic leadership

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Vision for department enhancement

Education

Doctorate in African languages or related field

Job description

Overview

The University of Pretoria invites applications for the position of Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department (term appointment) in the Department of African Languages within the Faculty of Humanities. The department will merge with the Afrikaans section under the School for Languages, Literatures and Cultures. The appointment is in addition to the successful candidate's existing academic appointment.

Position

The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department. The appointment will be additional to the successful candidate’s academic appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitating collaboration between language sections: Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiZulu, Sepedi and Setswana
• Acting as an academic leader in the two departments at national and international levels
• Advancing the research agenda of various language sections
• Facilitating strategic, academic, and operational management of the merged department with emphasis on developing synergy between fields of inquiry
• Raising funds to support departmental activities
• Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Supervising postgraduate research
• Demonstrating strong leadership and excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills

Minimum Requirements

• A doctorate in African languages (literature or linguistics), Afrikaans (literature or linguistics), Applied Language Studies, Linguistics, or Literary Theory with specialization in South African languages or literatures
• A proven research and publication record appropriate to the post level
• A proven record of postgraduate supervision appropriate to the post level
• Membership of at least one discipline-specific international academic or professional organisation
• A track record of excellence in teaching and learning
• An appropriate vision for enhancing the Department’s standing and diverse profile nationally and internationally
• Strong academic administration experience
• Qualifying qualifications and experience to be eligible for appointment as Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of African Languages at the University of Pretoria, assessed on teaching, research and postgraduate supervision, community engagement, academic administration and academic citizenship

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes)

• Academic leadership status in the relevant discipline
• The ability to develop an appropriate departmental vision in collaboration with the two merged departments
• International recognition as an expert in the discipline
• Ability to manage and promote linguistic and cultural diversity within the unified structure

Added Advantages and Preferences

• An NRF rating is strongly recommended

Remuneration and Appointment

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.

Application Process

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 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 presentation. The topic and further details will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Closing Date

7 November 2025. Applications that do not comply with the minimum requirements or are received after the closing date will not be considered.

Enquiries

Prof Kevin Thomas, e-mail: [e-mail] for position-related enquiries

Ms Vicky Reynders, e-mail: [e-mail] for application process enquiries

If you do not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

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 verification of personal credentials and related information, including 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.