SENIOR RESEARCHER/SENIOR LECTURER

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: RESEARCH • Lead and contribute to high-quality interdisciplinary research. • Publish in internationally recognised journals. • Develop competitive research proposals. TEACHING • Teach postgraduate courses. • Support executive education. • Supervise postgraduate students. ENGAGEMENT • Develop industry partnerships. • Organise conferences and seminars. • Produce policy briefs. CHAIR DEVELOPMENT • Support reporting. • Build collaborations. • Mentor junior researchers.

The successful candidate will also be expected to develop their own research profile and contribute actively to the intellectual life of Wits Business School, Wits MIND, and the broader University. SELECTION CRITERIA APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE:

• A PhD in artificial intelligence, digital business, information systems, informatics, information technology, computer science, management, economics, public policy, sustainability, data science, innovation studies, or a related field. • Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas aligned to the Chair's research themes, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, AI governance, responsible innovation, or digital business. • Demonstrated publication record in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. • Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to contribute to externally funded research projects. • Experience in producing academic, policy, or applied research outputs. • Ability to translate research into practical insights for business, policy, and society. • Experience in postgraduate teaching and supervision within a university environment. • Strong project management, writing, editing, and research coordination skills. • Ability to work with academic, industry, government, and civil society stakeholders. • Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams and collaborative institutional environments. ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The appointment will be made by the University of the Witwatersrand. The position is broadly equivalent to a university Senior Lecturer-level appointment, subject to Wits policies and appointment criteria.

The successful candidate will be based in Johannesburg and will play a central role in establishing and growing the Chair's research programme, postgraduate pipeline, executive education portfolio, partnership network, and public engagement activities.

This appointment offers an exceptional opportunity to shape one of Africa's emerging interdisciplinary AI research initiatives while developing an internationally recognised research profile.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Closing date: 7th August 2026

Applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application through the portal. Applications must include the following:

1. Full curriculum vitae, including a complete publication list. 2. Two academic referees 3. Certified copies of academic qualifications 4. Teaching portfolio (if applicable) 5. Contact details of three referees (rather than two) for a senior appointment

For further enquiries please contact Professor Rennie Naidoo on ([email protected]).

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.

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Amount of Travel

Work At Home