Associate Professor/Professor: Veterinary Wildlife Research

UP Posting - Academic

FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES

VETERINARY WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTRE

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR: VETERINARY WILDLIFE RESEARCH

In the pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

The University of Pretoria invites applications for the position of Research Professor/Associate Professor to lead and advance the Veterinary Wildlife Research Centre (VWRC). This strategic appointment aims to strengthen the Centre’s role in wildlife conservation with a veterinary focus, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, shifting land use patterns, and emerging veterinary diseases, particularly those at the wildlife-livestock interface.

The successful candidate will work closely with wildlife specialists within the Faculty of Veterinary Science and collaborate with the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS), as well as stakeholders in the local wildlife industry, including game farms, conservation bodies, and regulatory authorities. A key aspect of the role will be to understand and influence animal movement dynamics, disease surveillance, and biosecurity within South Africa’s unique wildlife economy.

Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Veterinary Wildlife Research Centre;
• Develop and lead high-impact research programs in wildlife health and conservation;
• Address veterinary challenges related to climate change, land use change, and emerging diseases;
• Engage with the local wildlife industry to support sustainable and health-conscious animal management practices;
• Investigate and guide policy on animal movement, translocation, and disease risk mitigation;
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across veterinary, ecological, and conservation sciences;
• Supervise postgraduate students and mentor early-career researchers;
• Secure external research funding and manage large-scale projects;
• Publish in high-impact journals and contribute to national and international policy dialogues; and
• Promote capacity building and knowledge transfer in wildlife veterinary science.

Minimum Requirements:

Associate Professor

• A PhD in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Health, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field;
• A strong research portfolio with evidence of leadership in wildlife veterinary research;
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful grant acquisition; and
• Evidence of successful Master’s supervision and evidence of Doctoral supervision.

Professor

• A PhD in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Health, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field;
• A strong research portfolio with evidence of leadership in wildlife veterinary research;
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful grant acquisition; and
• Experience in supervising postgraduate students up to PhD-level and managing research teams.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR BOTH LEVELS (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Commitment to advancing wildlife conservation through veterinary science;
• Ability to engage with One Health concepts while maintaining a primary focus on animal health;
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; and
• Strategic thinking and the ability to influence policy and practice.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• A BVSc or equivalent veterinary qualification;
• Experience working in African wildlife systems and interface disease dynamics;
• Familiarity with climate change impacts, land use change, and emerging infectious diseases in wildlife;
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and institutions;
• Understanding of the South African wildlife industry, including game farming, animal movement regulations, and conservation policy; and
• NRF-rating.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
• Names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research); and
• Self-evaluation on research and teaching.

CLOSING DATE: 26 July 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

For application-related enquiries: Ms Granny Maseko ([email protected]), Tel: (012) 529 8495.

For enquiries relating to the post content: Prof Katja Koeppel ([email protected]), Tel: (012) 529 8496

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.