Deputy Dean: Research, Innovation, Community Engagement & Internationalization (N002680)
Position summary
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Introduction
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To manage the research and innovation, community engagement as well as internationalization activities of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The incumbent will also be part of the extensive deanery structure and all the deaneries’ general activities as determined by the annual performance plan of the faculty. He/she will also be responsible for the faculties’ operational activities on the Vanderbijlpark campus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research and Innovation
- Generate new knowledge through high-quality publications and scientific leadership.
- Developing established and leading, but also inspire and nurture the next generation of researchers.
- Support and sustain an ecosystem for the conducive creation of IP and Commercialisation.
- Improving all research-related processes, including the postgraduate student environment.
Community Engagement
- Support and collaborate with communities for mutual benefit.
- Develop graduate attributes through community engagement interventions.
- Empower, educate and equip staff regarding Community Engagement activities.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the university’s community engagement activities.
- Promote sustainability advocacy and awareness in community engagement projects.
Internationalization
- Improve international stature and visibility of scholars and research outputs.
Management
- Manage resources (finance, infrastructure), staff, and stakeholder relations.
Minimum requirements
- A PhD in a relevant discipline offered in the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NQF level 10).
- Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks/societies - desirable.
- Accreditation with SACNASP - desirable.
- A minimum of five (5) years’ academic management experience.
- An all-round academic profile and experience in higher education.
- An NRF-rated researcher (minimum C).
KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
- Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system.
- Well- developed information and communication technology proficiency.
- Data analysis and academic writing.
- Effective interaction with national and international stakeholders involved in natural and agricultural sciences.
- Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields.
- Aptitude in managing the research- innovation value chain.
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Professional work ethic.
- Autonomous, accurate and assertive.
- Responsible, accountable, fair, transparent.
- Good communication (verbally and written) skills; setting up business meetings and appointments.
- Is decisive, able to reach timely decisions and initiate action appropriately.
- Responsiveness. Follows through on commitments, obligations for services.
- Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately.
- Represents FNAS and NWU in a positive and professional manner.
- Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions.
- Ability to work with internal/external/international collaborators and stakeholders.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Francois Van Der Westhuizen on 018 299 2318
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Lionel Eksteen on 018 285 2104
CLOSING DATE: 9 January 2026
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
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