Professor / Associate Professor (Educational Psychology) X2

University Of Kwazulu-Natal; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a Professor / Associate Professor in Educational Psychology. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and research, oversee curriculum development, and lead postgraduate supervision. Candidates must have a PhD in Psychology, extensive teaching and research experience, and a solid publication record. This role offers a permanent contract in a vibrant academic community.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Psychology or a related field.
• A professional Masters degree in Educational Psychology.
• At least 9 years of experience in teaching, research, or industry.
• Outstanding publications in scientific journals.
• Experience managing external research grants.
• Track record of supervising postgraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to teaching and research in Psychology.
• Lead the Educational Psychology curriculum design.
• Supervise postgraduate students.

Skills

Excellent research publication

Successful grant acquisition

Supervision of postgraduate students

Academic leadership

Mentorship and coaching

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Professional Masters degree in Educational Psychology

Job description

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes

Introduction

College of Humanities – Professor / Associate Professor (Educational Psychology) – Discipline of Psychology – School of Social Sciences, Pietermaritzburg Campus (2 posts).

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top universities in South Africa and in the top 500 universities globally. The School of Social Sciences is well established with a strong research profile and has a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The incumbent will be expected to contribute to teaching and research within the discipline of Psychology, contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum development, and supervise postgraduate students. The staff member will provide leadership in the design and delivery of the Educational Psychology curriculum for the Masters in Educational Psychology programme. For the position of Full Professor, in addition to the ability to teach in generic modules in psychology, it is recommended that the incumbent should be able to teach in Educational Psychology Assessment. She/he will also be expected to offer leadership in academic administration, curriculum development, and community engagement.

The incumbent will report to the Academic Leader: Psychology.

Minimum requirements

Professor

• PhD degree in Psychology or a related field.
• A professional Masters degree in Educational Psychology.
• At least 9 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry.
• Excellent and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful attraction of external research grants.
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department / School/ College/ University/Industry which includes mentorship and coaching.
• Evidence of registration with the Health Professions Council as an Educational Psychologist with at least three years' experience post-registration.

Associate Professor

• A PhD degree in the relevant discipline.
• A professional Masters degree in Educational Psychology.
• At least 6 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department / School/ College/ University/ Industry which includes mentorship and Coaching.
• Evidence of registration with the Health Professions Council as an Educational Psychologist with at least three years' experience post-registration.

Additional information

Short‑listed candidates may be expected to give a presentation on a specific topic.

All applicants are required to apply online on the Career Portal.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 26 October 2025.

Legal and Governance Notice

The University of KwaZulu-Natal ("the University") is required to process any Personal Information submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University's recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and/or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper‑based formats that are used for processing of personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are shortlisted for interview.

Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.

Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful.

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