Associate Professor (Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment: Department of Mechanical Engineering Science)

University of Johannesburg

Advert reference: uj_002403

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 5 July 2026

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: Education and Training

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market related

EE position: Open to all

Level: Skilled

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".

“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

The Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment prides itself in its vibrant, dynamic and diverse engineering community of scholars who are passionate about enhancing the learning experience of students, enhancing the research profile of the Faculty and enhancing the academic, social and economic impact of the Faculty’s teaching and research programmes.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering Science offers the ECSA accredited Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (BEng) programme, and the Master’s and PhD in Engineering postgraduate programmes. The candidate will be expected to teach, perform research, supervise students and participate in services required by the Department.

Responsibilities

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in mechanical engineering disciplines including, but not limited to: Design, Thermodynamics, Graphical Communications, Thermofluids, Theory of Machines, Thermomachines, Manufacturing Methods, Sustainable Energy, and related areas.
  • Demonstrated computer literacy in relevant mechanical engineering software packages (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, MATLAB/Mathematica, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
  • Conduct research activities, publish in accredited peer-reviewed journals, and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and laboratory work.
  • Participate actively in departmental academic and administrative duties, including invigilation, committee participation, curriculum development, and quality assurance processes.
  • Supervise postgraduate students at Master’s and Doctoral levels.
  • Engage with industry stakeholders to develop collaborative research projects, student opportunities, and funding partnerships.
  • Participate in community engagement initiatives aligned with Faculty and University strategic objectives.
  • Collaborate with local and international researcher as well as industry partners in basic and applied research.

Minimum requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in a Four Years Mechanical Engineering Programme, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer with ECSA, or clear eligibility to obtain/retain professional registration within the first year of appointment
  • Minimum of seven (7) years teaching and research experience at a tertiary institution.
  • Sustained record of accredited research outputs appropriate for appointment at Associate Professor level, demonstrating national recognition and emerging international engagement
  • Successful supervision of postgraduate students, including Master’s and Doctoral candidates.
  • Evidence of academic leadership in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, and curriculum development.
  • Evidence of participation in research projects and initial success in attracting internal and/or external research funding.
  • Registration as a National Research Foundation (NRF) rated research, or clear eligibility to obtain/retain NRF rating within the first two years of appointment
  • A high level of proficiency in English is required. Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds may be required to submit evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, or equivalent)

Recommendations

  • Relevant industrial experience.
  • Emerging or established research niche aligned with departmental priorities.
  • Experience in ECSA accreditation, outcomes-based curriculum development, and academic administration.
  • Experience in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
  • Evidence of collaboration with industry and/or international research partners.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes

  • Fluent in English
  • Evidence of professional development
  • Team player with a passion for student training and research
  • Strong time management skills
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to multi-task
  • Collegial and emotionally intelligent
  • Ability to work in a pressurised environment and independently
  • High level of integrity and ethical standards

Enquiries: Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof Nkosinathi Madushele at Tel: (011) 559 2538

Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefit s: Mr Mandisa Malindisa (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 4097

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 ***email_hidden***.

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 assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.