DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications for the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, based at the Westville Campus on a five-year fixed-term appointment. The DVC will provide strategic leadership for research, innovation and knowledge exchange, guiding the university toward pre-eminence in research locally and globally.

The role requires an established academic leader with a distinguished research record and the ability to drive large-scale projects,

Qualifications

• Experience leading research or academic departments at senior level.
• Proven track record in research strategy and knowledge exchange.

Responsibilities

• Provide intellectual leadership for research and innovation across UKZN.
• Develop and implement strategy to achieve pre-eminence in research.
• Lead Libraries, UKZN Press, and UKZN InQubate portfolios.
• Represent the University in national and global forums on research development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Change management

Education

PhD/Doctorate

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to Employment Equity

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT VACANCY

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)is situated in the subtropical seaside city of Durban and in the Midlands city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The University is one of the largest residential universities in sub-Saharan Africa and is located on five campuses - Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, Howard College, Westville and Umbilo Road.

UKZN is one of the leading research-intensive and teaching universities in South Africaand on the continent. As one of South Africa’spre-eminent research institutions, the University provides a dynamic environment for all facets of research and innovation.

The University is structured on a College model with four Colleges, namely Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies, noting that the all Colleges have a presence on at least three of the University’s five campuses. UKZN offers a large number of academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with some 45 000 students and approximately 4000 staff members.

For more information regarding the University profile, please visit our website and interact with us on: http://www.ukzn.ac.za

DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

BASED ON THE WESTVILLE CAMPUS

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research and Innovation provides intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the area of research, innovation and knowledge exchange. S/he will be expected to lead the development and implementation of the University’s overall strategy to meet its goal of pre-eminence in research. This entails building a research ethos that fosters excellence, encourages novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students in order to be a pre-eminent producer of new knowledge both locally and globally, and defines UKZN as the premier university of African scholarship.

The Libraries that provide critical support services for research fall within this portfolio, as does the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and UKZN InQubate. This is a highly demanding position requiring a thorough understanding of research, considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities, and alignment with the University’s values. The Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD/Doctorate
• A Full Professor for five years with experience in an academic/research leadership role.
• An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record to engender respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies
• A distinguished research background having published highly cited papers in peer-reviewed journals
• A successful track record in devising and implementing strategic change and strategies for growth as well as driving organisational development and effectiveness
• Evidence of successful networking and collaboration with external partners and research funding agencies
• A track record of personal excellence in leading and managing a large and diverse staff complement
• Excellence project management skills with strong evidence of successful large scale project delivery
• A demonstrable record of leadership and management capabilities having worked with researchers, policy makers, community leaders and leaders of the private sector
• Experience of constructing research partnerships which span national research system: universities, science councils, private sector laboratories and government research agencies; and the ability to represent the University in national and global forums about research and research development
• A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University
• Experience in working with all the various academic and administrative functions, especially research and both at the levels of policy and implementation
• Knowledge and understanding of Higher Education environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of all laws, regulations and policies including but not limited to clinical trial agreement, research ethics and intellectual property
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of academic research environment and current issues in research administration, policy and funding
• A thorough knowledge of South Africa’s science and technology systems, particularly the role of Universities in the creation of knowledge related to development imperatives confronting South Africa.

Personal and Leadership Attributes:

Strong interpersonal capabilities, an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students and across the institution and with stakeholders.In additionto the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:

• To provide strategic direction by exercising good judgement, demonstrating excellent analytical ability and conceptual thinking.
• To champion the delivery of greater results by committing to action, displaying resistance and executing assignments.
• To manage self and others, demonstrate self awareness, building talent and ability to manage diverse teams.
• To foster productive working relationships by resourcing projects and assignments,
• And living University Values – R.E.A.C.H.T ( Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation and Honesty)

General Information:

Please note that:

• A job profile is available upon request
• The closingdate for receiptof applications is 30 November 2026
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.