Associate Professor or Professor and Head of Department - Department of Biochemistry, Genetics

Associate Professor or Professor and Head of Department – Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology – Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

We invite applications for the position of Associate Professor or Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria.

The Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology was established as a merged department in 2018. It is organised into four divisions, including the core disciplines of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and a dedicated division for Research and Postgraduate Education. The department is both teaching‑ and research‑intensive, supervising more than 250 MSc and PhD candidates and 40 postdoctoral researchers, and enrolling roughly 3,400 students per year.

Its research focus covers human and animal health, plant‑pathogen interactions, bio‑economy, bio‑informatics and biodiversity.

The University seeks a highly motivated, internationally recognised scientist who will provide academic leadership and strategic direction to the department while enhancing teaching innovation. The incumbent will manage the department’s academic and administrative functions, promote research excellence, foster international collaboration, and oversee teaching and supervision at all university levels.

• The strategic, academic and operational management of the Department.
• Strategically develop and market the Department to increase its African and international standing.
• Promote the Department’s research profile.
• Ensure scholarly academic and professional education and training.
• Maintain and enhance the academic strength and visibility of all three disciplines, including building critical mass of staff.
• Provide leadership to the departmental division chairs.
• Actively lead the disciplines at national and international levels.
• Fundraise for departmental activities.
• Improve the Department’s diversity and Employment Equity (EE) profile.

• A relevant doctorate with a spécialisation in Biochemistry, Genetics or Microbiology and at least ten years of relevant experience.
• Eligibility for appointment as Associate Professor or Professor in the department, assessed on teaching, research, supervision, community engagement, academic administration and citizenship.
• Experience in high‑level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional associations.
• National and international recognition in the relevant discipline.
• A proven research and publication record and peer recognition.
• Experience with teaching and learning management at a level higher than that of a course.
• Evidence of improved teaching and learning outcomes due to intentional interventions.
• An appropriate vision for the Department.

• Managerial skills and competencies.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Diversity management skills.
• Curriculum development and teaching and learning innovation skills.
• The ability to lead research programmes.

• A strong research record in one of the Department’s research specialisation fields.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. The head of department is a term appointment for four (4) years; external candidates may also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable department.

Applicants must apply online via (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). navigating to ‘Career Opportunities’ and selecting the sought position. The following documents must be attached to the application:

• A cover letter and comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, as well as a full employment history.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• A self‑evaluation of suitability for appointment.
• A vision statement for the Department.
• A teaching portfolio.
• A research portfolio (including citation index scores).
• The names and contact details of at least three referees (one national and two…