Dean

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Vanderbijlpark; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent South African university in Vanderbijlpark seeks a Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, Community Engagement & Internationalization. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have at least 5 years of academic management experience. Responsibilities include managing research activities, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the university's international profile. This fixed-term position offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with university policies.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline required.
• Minimum of five years' academic management experience.
• NRF-rated researcher (minimum C) needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage research and innovation activities of the faculty.
• Support community engagement for mutual benefit.
• Improve international visibility of research outputs.
• Manage resources, staff, and stakeholder relations.

Skills

Knowledge of RSA Higher Education system

Information and communication technology proficiency

Data analysis

Academic writing

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (VANDERBIJLPARK CAMPUS) | FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES | POSITION NUMBER: N002680 | VACANCY: DEPUTY DEAN: RESEARCH, INNOVATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INTERNATIONALIZATION

PEROMNES GRADE: 4

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 5 – YEAR FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To manage the research and innovation, community engagement as well as internationalization activities of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The incumbent will also be part of the extensive deanery structure and all the deaneries’ general activities as determined by the annual performance plan of the faculty. He/she will also be responsible for the faculties’ operational activities on the Vanderbijlpark campus.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in a relevant discipline offered in the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NQF level 10).
• Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks/societies - desirable.
• Accreditation with SACNASP - desirable.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ academic management experience.
• An all-round academic profile and experience in higher education.
• An NRF-rated researcher (minimum C).

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Innovation

• Generate new knowledge through high-quality publications and scientific leadership.
• Developing established and leading, but also inspire and nurture the next generation of researchers.
• Support and sustain an ecosystem for the conducive creation of IP and Commercialisation.
• Improving all research-related processes, including the postgraduate student environment.

Community Engagement

• Support and collaborate with communities for mutual benefit.
• Develop graduate attributes through community engagement interventions.
• Empower, educate and equip staff regarding Community Engagement activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the university’s community engagement activities.
• Promote sustainability advocacy and awareness in community engagement projects.

Internationalization

• Improve international stature and visibility of scholars and research outputs.

Management

• Manage resources (finance, infrastructure), staff, and stakeholder relations.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system.
• Well‑developed information and communication technology proficiency.
• Data analysis and academic writing.
• Effective interaction with national and international stakeholders involved in natural and agricultural sciences.
• Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields.
• Aptitude in managing the research-innovation value chain.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Professional work ethic.
• Autonomous, accurate and assertive.
• Responsible, accountable, fair, transparent.
• Good communication (verbally and written) skills; setting up business meetings and appointments.
• Is decisive, able to reach timely decisions and initiate action appropriately.
• Responsiveness. Follows through on commitments, obligations for services.
• Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately.
• Represents FNAS and NWU in a positive and professional manner.
• Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions.
• Ability to work with internal/external/international collaborators and stakeholders.

REMUNERATION

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO

Prof. Francois Van Der Westhuizen on 018 299 2318

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO

Mr. Lionel Eksteen on 018 285 2104

CLOSING DATE

9 January 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES

As soon as possible

KINDLY TAKE NOTE

applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here ®