Associate Professor​/Professor and Head of Department; Psychology

Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department (Psychology)

University of Pretoria seeks an Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department in Psychology. This role is a term appointment for four (4) years, with potential for permanent academic appointment.

The Department of Psychology offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including honours, master's (clinical/counselling/research), and PhD degrees. The department emphasizes teaching, research and community engagement with four broad research themes:
Health and Well‑being Across the Lifespan, Communities and Society, Theories and Measures in Psychology, and Teaching and Learning in Psychology.

• Strategic, academic and operational management of the department.
• Provide intellectual and strategic leadership to ensure academic excellence.
• Develop and implement the department’s strategic plan aligned with faculty and institutional visions.
• Foster a cohesive academic identity grounded in psychological science and professional practice.
• Lead curriculum design, review and accreditation processes (e.g., HPCSA alignment).
• Promote innovation in pedagogy and ensure integration of current psychological theories.
• Oversee quality assurance of teaching and learning, including moderation and student assessment policies.
• Support professional training and continuous development of stakeholders.
• Enhance research productivity, visibility and impact.
• Fundraise for departmental activities.

• Doctorate in Psychology.
• Proven research and publication record.
• Proven postgraduate supervision track record.
• Registration with the HPCSA (Clinical/Counselling/Research).
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload allocations, staff development and conflict resolution.
• Appropriate vision for the department.
• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution.

• Evidence of teaching excellence in psychology at tertiary level.
• Experience in liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• International recognition of research work.
• Active engagement in funded research or grant applications.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong research record in one of the department’s specialisation fields.
• NRF rating.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the appointment level. The Head of Department is a term appointment for four years. The university subscribes to BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes, contributing 50% of the monthly premium.

Applicants must apply online at www.up.ac.za
, navigate to About UP >
Career Opportunities, and select this position. Submit the following documents:

• Cover letter, comprehensive CV and full employment history.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• Self‑evaluation of suitability for the post.
• Vision for the department.
• Teaching portfolio.
• Research portfolio (including citation index scores).
• Names and contact details of at least three referees (one national, two international).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare a presentation.

31 January 2026. Applications received after this date or not meeting the minimum requirements will not be considered.

Prof Kevin Thomas, e‑mail: dean.humanities.za – position enquiries.
Ms Vicky Reynders, e‑mail: vicky.reynders.za – application process enquiries.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. Preference may be given to candidates from under‑represented designated groups. By applying, candidates consent to verification of credentials as part of the selection process. The university reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.