Professor/Associate Professor (Permanent) & Dean (5-Year Term, Part-Time)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University invites applications for the post of Professor or Associate Professor who will also serve as Dean of the Faculty of Law on a part-time basis for a five-year term. The appointment is permanent at professorial level with a concurrent Dean role; after the term, the incumbent may continue as a full-time academic.

The candidate will participate in governance, strategic planning and leadership within the faculty while maintaining excellence in teaching, supervision and research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Law with an LLB from a South African University; where the LLB is not SA, equivalence with 10 years relevant experience.
• Extensive teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a university context.
• Excellent track record of training and mentoring junior staff.
• Excellent supervision of junior staff.
• Track record of research productivity including supervision of Master’s and PhD students.
• National and international profile in the discipline.
• If applicable, progress toward PhD for Associate Professor where LLM may be acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Serve concurrently as Dean of the Faculty of Law on a part-time basis for a five-year term.
• Be appointed as a permanent academic staff member at Professor or Associate Professor level and as Dean on a part-time basis.
• Upon completion of the Dean term, continue employment as a full-time academic.
• Engage in governance, strategic leadership and development within the Faculty of Law.

Skills

Teaching experience

Mentoring junior staff

Supervision of junior staff

Research productivity

National & international profile

Education

PhD in Law

LLB

Job description

The Faculty of Law invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Faculty - Description Of The Faculty

Rhodes University invites applications of eligible candidates at the level of Professor or Associate Professor on a permanent basis who are prepared and eligible to serve concurrently as the Dean of the Faculty of Law on a part-time basis. The term of the Dean is normally 5 years. The successful candidate will be appointed as a permanent academic staff member at the level of Professor or Associate Professor and as Dean on a part-time basis. Once their term as Dean has been concluded (and if not re-elected as Dean) the successful candidate will be employed as an academic on a full-time basis.

The Protocol for the Election of an external Dean involves an election process by the members of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Law based on the vision and motivation prepared by candidates, and a selection process conducted in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Policy of the institution.

The Requirements

Professor

A PhD in Law with an LLB from a South African University. Where the LLB is not from a South African University, a demonstrable equivalence, coupled with 10 years of relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Extensive teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in a university context.
• Excellent professional track record.
• Excellent track record of training and mentoring of junior staff.
• Excellent record of supervision of junior staff.
• Track record of research productivity, including supervision of Master’s and PhD students to completion.
• National and established international profile in the discipline.
• Track record of research productivity.

Associate Professor

A PhD in Law with an LLB from a South African University. Where the LLB is not from a South African University, a demonstrable equivalence, or, in exceptional circumstances, at least an LLM, preferably with progress being made toward a PhD, coupled with 10 years of relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Considerable teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in a university context.
• Excellent track record of training and mentoring of junior staff.
• Strong record of supervision of junior staff.
• Track record of research productivity, including supervision of Master’s.
• National and emerging international profile in the discipline.

For additional information on the requirements for the academic post at the academic levels, please refer to the Academic and Dean Role Profiles.

Remuneration Per Annum

Rhodes University offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.