Director

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellenbosch University invites applications for the Directorship of the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) at Stellenbosch Campus. The Director will provide strategic leadership, drive growth in data science, AI, genomics and biotechnology, and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The role requires a PhD in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology, appointment at Associate Professor or Professor, and a strong track record in research, supervision, and external

Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology.
• Appointable at Associate Professor or Professor.
• Record of research excellence, postgraduate supervision and leadership.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills; cross-disciplinary partnerships.
• External funding track record.
• Commitment to transformation, diversity, equity and inclusion.
• For Professor level: evidence of international standing and a strong network.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership and direction aligned with Stellenbosch University priorities.
• Leading growth of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology linked to Data Science, AI, genomics, computational biology, biotechnology.
• Strengthening collaboration across faculties and with external partners.
• Promoting excellence in teaching, postgraduate training, research, innovation and social impact, and enhancing standing through outputs, funding and networks.
• Ensuring effective governance and management of staff, finances, facilities, computational infrastructure and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

External funding

Strategic thinking

Governance

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology

Job description

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Faculty of Science

Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB)

Director: CBCB (Professor/Associate Professor) (Post Level 5)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. NW14/375/0926

The Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) at Stellenbosch University (SU) advances teaching, research, postgraduate training and strategic development in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. This appointment offers the opportunity to provide leadership within a dynamic, trans-disciplinary focus area linked to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at SU, and to collaborate with top researchers and academics from across the Natural, Agricultural and Human Health Sciences. The Director will oversee growth in a new era of breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence, genomics and computational biology that empower discovery, innovation and biotechnology development.

Duties/Pligte

• Providing strategic leadership and direction aligned with the priorities of Stellenbosch University and the Faculty of Science.
• Leading the growth of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology linked to Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, genomics, computational biology and biotechnology.
• Strengthening collaboration across the Natural, Agricultural and Human Health Sciences and with external partners.
• Promoting excellence in teaching, postgraduate training, research, innovation and social impact, and enhancing standing through outputs, funding and networks.
• Ensuring effective governance and management of staff, finances, facilities, computational infrastructure and operations.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• PhD in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology or a related area.
• The incumbent must be appointable at Associate Professor or Professor level in a relevant Faculty of Science Department.
• An established record of research excellence, postgraduate supervision and academic leadership in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, experience in trans-disciplinary collaboration and partnerships.
• An external funding record.
• A demonstrated commitment to transformation, diversity, equity and inclusion.

In addition, candidates considered for appointment at Professor level must:

• Provide evidence of significant academic standing in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.
• Provide evidence of a strong international collaborative network and recognised leadership in the broader academic community.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• None.

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries about this post: Prof H Patterton on 021 808 2774, or at [e-mail]

Enquiries about remuneration/benefits and technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch), or 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at [e-mail]

CurrencyZAR Commencement Date01-Jan-2027 Closing Date16-Oct-2026 Amount of Travel Work At Home