Deputy Dean Medical Sciences

University of Kwazulu Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African university is looking for a Deputy Dean: Medical Sciences to provide strategic leadership in health sciences education. The role includes driving innovation, overseeing curriculum and quality assurance, and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have a PhD or Medical Doctorate, 8 years of experience with a strong record in academic management and leadership, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. This is a 5-year contract position with a remuneration package dependent on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant work experience, with 5 years at management level.
• Demonstrated experience in graduating postgraduate students (up to PhD level).
• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for academic programs.
• Support research in education and enhance teaching systems.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Fiscal Management

Teacher Coaching

Classroom Management

Education Administration

Strategic Planning

Curriculum Development

Administrative Experience

Leadership Experience

Program Development

Education

PhD or Medical Doctorate degree in a related field

Job description

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DEPUTY DEAN: MEDICAL SCIENCES (PER OMNES GRADE 4) FIVE (5) YEAR APPOINTMENT MEDICAL SCHOOL CAMPUS.

Duties & Responsibilities

The College of Health Sciences at UKZN seeks to appoint a senior academic leader to serve as Deputy Dean: Medical Sciences in the School of Medicine. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including curriculum oversight, quality assurance, accreditation, student admissions and progression, regulatory compliance, and financial management. A major focus is driving innovation, transformation, and alignment with institutional and national priorities.

The Deputy Dean will work closely with the Dean & Head of School to strengthen engagement with internal and external stakeholders, support research in education, enhance teaching and learning systems, and ensure the effective administration and assessment of academic processes. The role also includes serving as the Dean’s designate for academic affairs and acting as Dean & Head of School when required.

We seek a strategic, collaborative, and experienced academic leader with strong administrative skills, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of health sciences education. The ideal candidate will be able to manage complex environments, build partnerships, lead curriculum change, and inspire teams while advancing the School of Medicine’s teaching, research, and transformation objectives.

The term of office for this position is a five (5) year fractional appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance. For applicants who are permanent staff members of UKZN, the successful applicant will revert to his/her substantive academic position at the end of this term of office.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• PhD or Medical Doctorate degree in a related field
• Must be part of the Medical Sciences Cluster
• 8 years of relevant work experience of which 5 years must be at a management level
• Demonstrated experience in graduating postgraduate students (up to PhD level)
• A proven track record and experience in curriculum matters and quality assurance
• Demonstrated experience in advancing diversity, transformation, and equity
• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• A proven history of strengthening and developing systems and strategies in the higher education environment
• Proven values-driven leader with strong academic leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Exceptional communicator with excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Strategic, adaptable, and resilient, able to manage complex stakeholders and work effectively under pressure
• Highly collaborative, culturally sensitive, and skilled at building partnerships and managing workloads with professionalism and enthusiasm

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

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form (Application Form Academic) which is available on the Vacancies website. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (the University) is required to process any personal information submitted in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (POPIA). The provision of the personal information is a requirement for the University’s recruitment and selection process. Retention of personal information follows legislative, governance, and record‑keeping practices to support statistical purposes. The University will ensure appropriate security measures for electronic and paper‑based formats used in processing this information.

Package & Remuneration

The remuneration package offered includes benefits and will be dependent on the qualifications and/or experience of the successful applicant.

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

Key Skills

• Fiscal Management
• Teacher Coaching
• Classroom Management
• Classroom Experience
• Education Administration
• Strategic Planning
• Teaching
• Curriculum Development
• Administrative Experience
• Leadership Experience
• Program Development

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1