Professor: Information Technology (Re-advertisement)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned University in Cape Town seeks a Professor in Computer Science to lead innovative teaching and research initiatives. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in developing academic programmes, ensuring high-quality education, and advancing groundbreaking research. With at least ten years in Higher Education, candidates should have a strong publication record and expertise in AI and Cybersecurity. This permanent position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the IT department and significantly contribute to academic excellence.

Qualifications

• The candidate must possess a relevant Doctoral Degree in Computer Science or IT.
• At least ten years' Higher Education Experience.
• A substantive track record of research output.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Lead research projects in Computer Science.
• Mentor early-career academics.

Skills

Deep technical expertise in core Computer Science areas

Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence

Proficiency in Machine Learning

Proficiency in Cybersecurity

Proficiency in Big Data

Strong research methodology skills

Effective curriculum development skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Doctoral Degree in Computer Science/ Information Technology/ Computer Engineering

Job description

Job Title

Faculty: Informatics & Design

Department: Cape Peninsula University of Technology → Informatics & Design → Information Technology

Campus/Location: District Six Campus - Cape Town, WC ZA (Primary)

Job Type: Permanent

Number of Positions: 1

Annual Salary Package: To be confirmed

Advert Closing Date: 14/12/2025

Job Purpose

The Department of Information Technology (IT) is seeking a candidate for the position of Professor with a specialisation in Computer Science field and research. This role offers an opportunity to join the academic community in IT department dedicated to excellence in teaching, innovative research, and impactful community engagement. The occupant of this position will play a crucial role in advancing the department's mission and enhancing its reputation both nationally and internationally.

As a Professor, the occupant will provide academic leadership in the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Further, the occupant will be required to employ innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students, fostering a stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In the research capacity role, the occupant will lead cutting-edge projects in Computer Science, aiming to push the boundaries of knowledge and address real-world local challenges. The occupant is expected to secure substantial external funding, publish in DHET accredited high-impact journals and conferences, and build interdisciplinary research collaborations within the department, faculty, university and with industry partners. The occupant's work is required to not only advance the field but also enhance the department's research profile.

Beyond teaching and research, the occupant will actively participate in academic leadership and management within the department. This includes mentoring early-career academics, contributing to strategic planning, and engaging in policy development. Additionally, the occupant will strengthen the department's connections with industry and the wider community through outreach activities, partnerships, and public engagement initiatives. The occupant's leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving the IT department forward and shaping its future direction.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A relevant Doctoral Degree in Computer Science/ Information Technology/ Computer Engineering
• The candidate must have obtained the relevant undergraduate underpinning qualification(s) within the field of study
• At least ten (10) years' Higher Education Experience (as a combination of teaching, research, and innovation)
• A substantive track record of research output producing more than 1.5 research output units per year (over the last years)
• A track record of presenting conference papers at international conferences and have publications in peer-reviewed conference proceedings (over the last five years)
• A track record of successful supervision of Masters and Doctoral students to completion within the IT Domain
• A substantive track record as principal investigator and/or lead grant holder of external national and international research grants
• A substantive track record of being a panel member for national and international grant review committees
• Evidence of serving as peer reviewer for national and international accredited journals
• A track record of external examination at the Masters and Doctoral level
• Evidence of having established successful national and international collaborations and partnerships

Recommendations

• The ideal candidate for the Professor of Information Technology position should possess deep technical expertise across core Computer Science areas, including programming, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, databases.
• Proficiency in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Big Data is essential, along with strong research methodology skills and a proven record of academic publication.
• Effective curriculum development and familiarity with e-learning tools will support innovative teaching, while project management and strategic planning skills are necessary for leading interdisciplinary research and fostering industry collaboration.
• A commitment to ethical standards, data protection, and technical communication is vital for shaping a responsible and a collaborative academic environment.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

• Lecturing subjects within the IT curriculum to undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Undertake research projects in the fields of computing, leading to publications in accredited and high-impact public outlets
• Develop research sponsored project
• Apply for research grants internally and externally
• Attract industry collaboration/partnership for funding and projects
• Facilitate national and international research collaborations
• Build and enhance research capacity within the Department through training
• Perform administrative tasks relating to academic research programmes and postgraduate supervision
• Contribute to the review of assessment methods
• Lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the IT discipline
• Develop and maintain linkages with industry and professional bodies and promote community participation
• Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Head of Department
• Ability to draw up strategic objectives
• Able to develop proposals and realistic research plans
• Ability to do research scheduling and to deliver to the highest international standards
• Able to play a leading role in a laboratory full of non-standard and unique equipment
• Time management
• Supervisory skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Building partnerships
• NRF systems knowledge

General Information

Closing Date: 14 December 2025

NOTE: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.

Employment Equity Statement

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.