DESCRIPTION:
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits University), is a highly ranked research-intensive institution renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact. Located in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, Wits University provides a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. The University is seeking to appoint a Head of School of Electrical and Information Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, for a fixed-period of (5) five-years.
The School of Electrical and Information Engineering takes immense pride in its distinguished group of academics who excel in diverse fields such as telecommunications, optics and photonics, machine learning, biomedical engineering, power engineering, and high voltage/lightning engineering. With a relentless commitment to excellence, the school is dedicated to producing top-quality graduates who possess a comprehensive understanding of electrical and information engineering. The school’s graduates are highly sought after by industry leaders for their exceptional problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability for independent learning.
WHY JOIN US:
World-Class Facilities: Access state-of-the-art facilities at a large university to maximize creativity and experimentation.
International Collaboration: Join a diverse community of scholars and researchers from around the world. Engage in knowledge exchange, joint research projects, expanding your professional network and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Student Excellence: Mentor talented and motivated students, contributing to their academic success, professional development, and personal growth as they make a positive impact in society.
Open-Minded and Collegial Culture: The school fosters an open-minded and collegial culture. We believe in providing academics the freedom to pursue their research interests, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Thriving City Lifestyle: Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Johannesburg, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, rich African culture, modern amenities, lovely warm climate, outdoor activities, a proximity to breathtaking natural wonders and wildlife reserves.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Value diversity, fosters equal opportunities, and embraces different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in a discipline or specialist area related to the activities of the School. S/he must provide evidence of significant professional and/or scholarly achievements. Management qualification and professional practice will be an added advantage. The successful appointee will be of high national and international standing. S/he should possess leadership and management skills in order to lead and guide a large diverse academic and support staff within the school. South African citizens and permanent residents currently employed in academia must be in possession of a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating (https://www.nrf.ac.za/rating/). Professional registration, or eligibility for international applicants is recommended.
The Head will be expected to provide academic vision and leadership to the School, particularly in the areas of teaching, learning and research. S/he will be expected to consolidate and maintain a reputation of excellence within the University and in the wider educational context by offering a nationally and internationally accredited program. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that academic and administrative systems and processes operate effectively and the School meets its and Faculty’s strategic goals by participating in University-wide decision-making processes. S/he is also expected to provide leadership to initiatives for fund-raising, liaising with industry and providing support for special research or development projects within the School.
The standard contractual period of employment is (5) five-years, after which the successful candidate may seek another term or be integrated into a senior teaching and research position in the School. If the successful candidate is an existing member of the permanent staff, s/he would revert to her/his previous academic position.
DUTIES:
- To provide visionary leadership, setting strategic goals and objectives for the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.
- To foster research excellence, innovation, and academic citizenship within the school.
- To oversee curriculum development, ensuring relevance to industry trends and technological advancements.
- To manage academic and support staff recruitment, evaluation, and professional growth, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- To develop and maintain collaborative relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions.
- To create an inclusive and supportive environment for students, promoting their academic success and well-being.
- To manage the school’s budget, allocating resources effectively to support teaching, research, administration and infrastructure needs.
- To engage in fundraising efforts to secure grants, donations, and sponsorships for the school’s initiatives.
- To represent the school within the university and at professional conferences
Enquiries: Professor Thokozani Majozi; Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment: E-mail: Thokozani.Majozi@wits.ac.za or telephone: +27 11 717 7012
To Apply: Please submit a covering letter of motivation, a detailed CV with names and current e-mail addresses and contact numbers of (3) three referees, certified copies of qualifications, academic transcripts and South African ID and/or (copy of Passport if not a South African Citizen). Please state your research metrics in your covering letter. External applicants are invited to apply by registering on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za Internal employees may apply directly on Oracle Self-Service on the Wits Intranet by selecting ‘’Apply for a job’’.
- Closing date: 20 October 2023
Please note that given the thrust of the University’s strategic plan on transformation, preference may be given to appointable applicants from the under-represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University.
The University reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit rating. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with the shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or re-advertise.
