Associate Professor / Professor and Head of Department (Psychology)

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

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks an experienced Associate Professor / Professor and Head of Department in Psychology. This unique role demands strategic academic leadership, extensive research credentials, and a proven record in postgraduate supervision. Responsibilities include managing departmental functions, curriculum oversight, and enhancing research productivity. The ideal candidate will hold a doctorate in psychology, be registered with HPCSA, and demonstrate excellent teaching and management skills. Competitive remuneration package offered, with a four-year term appointment.

Benefits

Health insurance contributions

Potential for a permanent academic appointment

Qualifications

• Proven research and publication record.
• Proven postgraduate supervision track record.
• Registration with the HPCSA in relevant psychology categories.

Responsibilities

• Manage strategic, academic and operational functions of the department.
• Provide intellectual leadership to enhance academic excellence.
• Oversee curriculum design, review, and accreditation processes.
• Enhance the research productivity and visibility of the department.

Skills

Teaching excellence in psychology

High-level liaison skills

International research recognition

Engagement in funded research

Leadership skills

Education

Doctorate in Psychology

Job description

Job title

Associate Professor / Professor and Head of Department (Psychology)

Job Location

Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline

31 January 2026

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

• Strategic, academic and operational management of the Department;
• Providing intellectual and strategic leadership to ensure the department’s academic excellence and relevance;
• Developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan and ensuring it is aligned with faculty and institutional visions;
• Fostering a cohesive academic identity grounded in psychological science and professional practice;
• Leading curriculum design, review and accrediting processes (e.g., alignment with HPCSA or equivalent standards);
• Promoting innovation in pedagogy and ensuring integration of current psychological theories, transformation and research;
• Overseeing the quality assurance of teaching and learning, including moderation and student assessment policies;
• Promoting and overseeing good academic education as well as professional training and continuous development of all stakeholders in the department;
• Playing an active role as an academic leader in the discipline at a national and international level;
• Enhancing the research productivity, visibility and impact of the department;
• Promoting the department’s research profile;
• Fundraising for departmental activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A doctorate in Psychology;
• A proven research and publication record;
• A proven postgraduate supervision track record;
• Registration with the HPCSA in any of the relevant psychology categories (Clinical / Counselling / Research);
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload allocations, staff development and conflict resolution;
• An appropriate vision for the Department;
• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Evidence of teaching excellence in psychology at a tertiary level;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional boards;
• International recognition of research work;
• Active engagement in funded research or grant applications;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• A strong research record in one of the Department's research specialisation fields;
• NRF rating.

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.

CLOSING DATE

31 January 2026