Professor in Early Childhood Education

Listing reference: ukzn_000882 Listing status: Online Apply by: 23 July 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: University and Academy Location: Pinetown Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Yes

Introduction

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, PROFESSOR, (EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION), SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, EDGEWOOD CAMPUS.

Job description

The School of Education is globally recognised for its world-class programs in pre-service teacher education, adult education, workplace learning, and higher education. We are committed to offering teacher education that is appropriate to both national and global contexts, of a high quality, and accessible to a diverse range of students.

The School seeks to employ a dedicated individual who will co-ordinate and teach various modules at under- and post-graduate levels in the field of Early Childhood Education. The incumbent may also be required to teach Inclusive Education modules at the undergraduate level. S/he will also conduct and provide student research supervision at the postgraduate level. This position requires an academic who is willing to undertake further studies and research to contribute to the development of the Discipline. A successful candidate will also engage in curriculum development and assess undergraduate school-based teaching practice. An advantage is the teaching of Natural Sciences in the Foundation Phase.

The incumbent will report to the Head of Department.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Evidence of excellent teaching experience and leadership in Early Childhood Education at the tertiary level in a relevant field
• Evidence of current and sustained research publication of independent research in quality scientific journals (31 - 40), appropriate for the level.
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at the Master's and PhD level, appropriate for the level
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful attraction of external research grants
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the School / College / University, which includes mentorship and coaching

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx

The closing date for receipt of application is 23 July 2026

All applicants are required to apply online on Career Portal, https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.

• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

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