Research Professor / Director

Durban University of Technology; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

The Durban University of Technology is seeking a Research Professor to lead the Institute of Systems Science. The role includes mentoring staff, developing research portfolios, and securing funding. This position offers a chance to shape academic and research excellence within a dynamic institution.

Qualifications

• At least 8–10 years of post-doctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising postgraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a coherent research portfolio in systems science.
• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for the Institute.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent)

Job description

RESEARCH PROFESSOR
(to be seconded as Director: Institute of Systems Science)

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) invites applications for the position of Research Professor. The successful candidate will be appointed as a full Professor in the Institute of Systems Science and, in the first instance, seconded to serve as Director: Institute of Systems Science for a period of 5-Years, renewable subject to performance and institutional needs.

• A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Systems Science or a closely related field.
• A sustained record of high-impact research and publications in systems science, modelling or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising postgraduate students (M & D level).
• At least 8–10 years of post-doctoral research experience, with evidence of innovation outputs (e.g., patents, commercialisation).
• Proven ability to secure competitive research funding and build multi-sector partnerships (industry, government, academia).
• Leadership experience in higher education, research institutes or relevant industry research units.

Key Responsibilities

As Research Professor

• Develop and lead a coherent research portfolio in systems science, modelling and simulation.
• Mentor and supervise academic staff and postgraduate researchers across the Institute.
• Contribute to curriculum development for existing and new postgraduate programmes.
• Publish regularly in high-ranking journals and present at international conferences.

As Director (Secondment)

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for the Institute of Systems Science.
• Drive the Institute’s research excellence, innovation initiatives and external engagement, aligned with DUT’s strategic goals (ENVISION2030).
• Cultivate and manage collaborations with industry, government and academic partners to enhance the Institute’s impact.
• Oversee effective governance, resource management and reporting within the Institute.
• Secure external research funding and philanthropic support to sustain and grow the Institute.

Term of Appointment

• The initial appointment is to the post of Research Professor.
• The successful appointee will be seconded to the Director role for 12 months, the professorial appointment remains substantive throughout.
• Secondment may be extended subject to performance review and institutional approval.

Skills and Attributes

• Visionary leadership with strong strategic-planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity development.
• Track record of mentoring researchers at all career stages.

Application Procedure

Candidates must complete the official DUT application form available at www.dut.ac.za and submit:

• A detailed cover letter, highlighting suitability for both the Research Professor role and secondment as Director.
• A full curriculum vitae.
• Copies of highest academic qualifications.

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About Durban University of Technology

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is located on the warm east coast of South Africa. It sprawls over seven (7) campuses in tropical and picturesque Durban, and in Pietermaritzburg, with its undulating hills that flow over from the Drakensberg Mountain. According to our ENVISION2030 strategy, DUT’s DNA has two strands, namely ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’. These are interwoven intrinsically by a number of double pairs consisting of ‘values and principles’ that bind our double-helix together. The extrinsic expression of our DNA is via The DUT-Way; which demonstrates our collective character and behaviour. The University’s ultimate goal is to contribute towards improving the lives and livelihoods of all its people, both internal and external. DUT consistently strives towards excellence and greatness in teaching-learning and in research-innovation; something that was been recognized recently when The Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings placed DUT within the top 500 of Universities in the world and within the top 5 universities in South Africa. The enactment of these internationally recognized strengths is demonstrated in our impactful engagement internally and externally in service of our localities, the region and the country at large.

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