Professor: AI & Health (Faculty of Health Sciences: Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology)

Advert reference: uj_002432 Advert status: Online Apply by: 9 August 2026

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: Education and Training Campus: Doornfontein Campus Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Open to all Level: Management

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".

Job description

“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.

For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO

Job Description:

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg is at the forefront of health professional training and the implementation of innovation in teaching and learning, with a research focus addressing real-world problems. We are looking for an experienced AI Specialist to join the faculty, who will be using techniques of Artificial Intelligence, in particular machine learning, to help us apply AI–based applications / solutions to Health Sciences’ problems and drive innovation and digital reinvention. You will join a multidisciplinary team helping to shape our AI & health strategy.

The purpose of this position is to facilitate teaching, learning and research in Artificial Intelligence & Health and the relevant cognate disciplines, for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in the Health Science fields at the intersection with Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, undertake postgraduate research supervision, contribute to the development and review of curricula and, where necessary, become involved in community engagement activities, in-line with the departmental and faculty specific objectives.

In addition, the following is expected:

• Produce accredited research outputs in multidisciplinary research aligned to 4IR, with emphasis on citation and impact of their research and innovation and publishing in high impact journals.
• To engage in and provide leadership for national research projects including national collaboration.
• To seek international research collaboration.
• Apply for external research project funding.

Responsibilities:

• Play a leading role in academic development initiatives within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• Assist domains within the faculty in teaching and learning as well as research and innovation.
• Provide leadership in the AI & Health strategy within and outside of the University of Johannesburg.
• Enhance scholarship within the Faculty of Health Sciences through the engagement of industry and relevant professional sectors.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF 10) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Health Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Evidence of specialization or substantial research in healthcare applications.
• Registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable, such as the Engineering Council of South Africa, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (where relevant), or equivalent international organizations.
• Experience with program leadership, governance, and change enablement.
• A proven research record of published articles in DOE accredited journals.
• Proven track record of postgraduate supervision.
• Attracts national and international funding for research activities.
• Proven track record as an external examiner for postgraduate research.
• Be a NRF rated Researcher (National Research Foundation (NRF), if in the South African university system or equivalent.
• A minimum of 10 years of lecturing experience at a tertiary institution.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in applying AI to practical and comprehensive technology solutions (with proven track record of application in Health Sciences).

Recommendations:

• Attracts national and international funding for research activities.
• Evidence of recognition as an established academic leader.
• Exceptional organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A proven record of academic administration at a tertiary institution.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

The successful candidate would need:

• An excellent command of the field of AI & Health and cognate fields with its latest knowledge and trends.
• Ability to facilitate learning through blended and technologically based teaching methods.
• Excellent computer literacy skills.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Be a team player, able to work well independently and be available to assist in mentoring staff and students in research.
• Ability to function in a diverse working environment.
• Enthusiasm for research and research supervision.
• Excellent organisation and administration skills.
• Ability to function in a diverse working environment.
• Ability to function independently as well as in a team.
• Effective communication skills and relationship management skills.
• Good time management skills and the ability to perform under pressure.

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof Pilani Nkomozepi (Head of Department) on Tel: (011) 559 6722.

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Innocent Masoka (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 1531.

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an asse