Academic Head of Department

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic and academic leadership to position the Department as a centre of excellence in Paediatrics and Child Health.

• Developing, implementing and monitoring academic programmes aligned with the University's teaching and learning strategy.

• Providing oversight of curriculum development, teaching quality and academic standards.

• Promoting research excellence, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening postgraduate supervision and research training.

• Providing leadership and oversight to the academic divisions within the Department.

• Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical, teaching and research platforms.

• Building a collaborative, inclusive and accountable departmental culture through effective consultation and transparent decision-making.

• Leading, developing and supporting academic and professional staff, including capacity building and succession planning.

• Managing departmental human, financial and infrastructural resources effectively.

• Representing the Department on the School Executive Committee and participating actively in Faculty and University governance structures.

• Strengthening engagement with internal and external stakeholders and promoting academic collaboration and social responsibility.

• Ensuring appropriate service delivery, quality assurance and compliance across departmental activities.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Registration as a Specialist in Paediatrics and Child Health with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• At least 10 years' experience in Paediatrics and Child Health, with demonstrated clinical and academic leadership.
• A strong record of research and scholarly achievement, including substantial publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience within university structures relevant to academic and clinical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage change and build academic capacity.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, leadership and managerial skills.
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor or Professor, in accordance with the University's applicable academic appointment and promotion criteria and subject to the approval of the Staffing and Promotions Committee. Promotion Criteria.pdf.

Additional Information

• A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification will be an added advantage.
• This is a university appointment under the standard terms and conditions of the University of the Witwatersrand.
• Staff employed by the Gauteng Department of Health may be accommodated, subject to agreement of terms of employment between the University, Gauteng Department of Health or the CEO of the hospital.
• Remuneration will be commensurate with the requirements and responsibilities of an Academic Head/Clinical Head of Department position.
• The incumbent may undertake clinical or research activities within their area of expertise for up to 30% of their time, subject to the operational requirements of the Department and applicable University arrangements.
• Preference will be given to candidates who are able to occupy the University position on a full-time basis.

Term of Appointment

The successful candidate will be appointed as Academic Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health for a fixed term of five (5) years, renewable for a further five-year term, subject to satisfactory performance and the applicable policies and procedures of the Faculty and University.

Where the successful candidate is appointed from outside the University, the appointee will, at the conclusion of the successful term(s) of office, be transferred to a continuous academic appointment at an appropriate level within the relevant discipline, subject to applicable University policies and approval processes.

The academic rank of Professor, Associate Professor or Adjunct Professor, as applicable, will be determined on the basis of the successful candidate's qualifications, academic achievements, research profile, experience and other relevant criteria, in accordance with the University's academic appointment and promotion requirements and subject to approval by the Staffing and Promotions Committee.

Promotion and appointment criteria: Applicants are encouraged to review the University's applicable academic promotion criteria.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Enquiries

Closing Date

15 October 2026

Applications must be submitted via i-Recruitment and should include: •

A covering letter outlining the candidate's suitability for the position. •

A comprehensive curriculum vitae.

The names, contact numbers and email addresses of three referees.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home