Professor: Musicology / Ethnomusicology

University of KwaZulu-Natal; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

University of KwaZulu-Natal invites applications for a Professor in Music, within the College of Humanities. The role centers on high‑level academic leadership, innovative curriculum design, and spearheading research initiatives in global and local music histories and socio‑cultural performance studies.

The incumbent will teach core and specialist modules, mentor junior faculty, and hold leadership roles across the School of Arts.

Qualifications

• PhD in Historical Studies or related discipline is required.
• At least 9 years of working and relevant experience in teaching, research, or the creative industries.
• Evidence of ongoing publication in quality journals.
• Evidence of attracting external research grants or creative project funding.
• Experience supervising postgraduate students (Masters and PhD).
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Strong and sustained academic leadership within the department, school or university.

Responsibilities

• Teach core and specialised modules in the Music discipline.
• Mentor junior faculty and contribute to leadership roles within the School of Arts.
• Lead and spearhead research initiatives and curriculum design.
• Report to the Head of Discipline: Music, Drama & Performance.

Skills

Academic leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Curriculum development

Mentorship

Education

PhD in Historical Studies or related discipline

Job description

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. The University of KwaZulu-Natal is committed to Employment Equity.

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

PROFESSOR: MUSICOLOGY/ETHNOMUSICOLOGY

MUSIC DISCIPLINE

SCHOOL OF ARTS

HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS

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

The Music Programme within the Music, Drama and Performance Discipline in the School of Arts enjoys a distinguished international reputation for its diverse, vibrant engagement across multiple streams including African Music and Dance, Western Classical Music, Opera Choral Studies and Jazz and Popular Music.

The successful candidate will provide high-level academic leadership, spearhead impactful research initiatives, and champion innovative curriculum design. This role is ideal for a scholar who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is passionate about exploring global and local music histories, popular music studies, and the socio-cultural fabric of contemporary performance.

The incumbent will teach core and specialised modules, mentor junior faculty, and serve in various leadership roles at the University.

The Incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Music, Drama & Performance

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD degree in Historical Studies, or related discipline
• At least 9 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or the creative industries
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level of Professor
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants or creative project funding.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision and graduation 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, which includes mentorship and coaching

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer, email: [e-mail]

Appointment to this position will be on the 2018 Conditions of Service.

The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 November 2026.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) 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 the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process