Professor and Dean - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
 

The University of Pretoria is a leading research university in South Africa and one of the largest in the country. The University prides itself on producing well-rounded, creative graduates; responsible, productive citizens; and future leaders. Research at UP is at the apex of the University's long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, which is to be a leading research-intensive university in the continent of Africa. Equally important is the University's international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and in the region.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences contribute substantially to the building of research and teaching capacity in South Africa.  We produce highly-skilled graduates and generate new scientific knowledge through our research publications. The Faculty also houses several world-renowned institutes and centres. Research groups with excellent research facilities are formed in various study fields, including two experimental farms. The Faculty hosts 17 departments which are linked to many centres, institutes and units. More than 7,000 students are enrolled, 70% in undergraduate programmes and 30% in postgraduate programmes.

The University wishes to invite applications for the following position, which will become vacant on 1st March 2019.

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: PROFESSOR AND DEAN

The University seeks to appoint a Dean that will be dynamic and will demonstrate visionary leadership, strategic thinking and an ability to execute plans successfully. The Dean must have a strong academic record, including a doctoral degree and strong links with the industries in which graduates of this Faculty tend to be employed. The Dean must possess the requisite qualifications and experience to be appointed as a full professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The Dean is assisted by appropriate management and support structures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring alignment of the ethos, vision and mission of the Faculty and University, in the context of the broader process of transformation of the institution and the higher education landscape.
• She or he must be able to provide strong academic leadership, promote research and create an environment conducive to research activities in the Faculty.
• He or she must also provide leadership in respect of the Faculty’s student success endeavours.
• The Dean is expected to market the Faculty, to undertake fundraising and to promote regional, national as well as international partnerships with other academic institutions, research organizations, financial, commercial and business enterprises, government and the community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An appropriate Doctorate in Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
• An established record of research achievement and mentoring and supervision of postgraduate students.
• The ability to manage the Faculty and to take the lead academically.
• Strong leadership traits, good interpersonal skills and commitment to the transformation of South African society.
• Excellent communication and appropriate language skills.
• Proven research ability and the ability to create an environment in which research activities are supported and can flourish.
• Proven management skills and experience, including knowledge of and experience in finance, human resources and marketing, preferably in a university context.
• The candidate should be eligible for appointment as a full professor.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in a management capacity in a higher education institution will be a very strong recommendation.

The Dean is appointed for a term of four (4) years, but external candidates will also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department within the University.

Applicants who are short-listed will be required to make a brief presentation to the Faculty Board with regard to their vision for the Faculty.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Laura Stuart at laura.stuart@perrettlaver.com or +44(0)207 340 6229 and Letticia Jooste at letticia.jooste@up.ac.za or +27 (012) 420 6921

For information and to apply please click the apply online button below.

The closing date for applications is 9.00am SAST on Monday, 22nd January 2018.

The full field of candidates will be reviewed by the University following this and shortlisted candidates will subsequently be invited for informal conversations with the University. Formal interviews will take place in May 2018.