Head of Division: Research Development

Minimum requirements

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South African Citizens or Permanent Residence with a relevant doctoral qualification, preferably a PhD or equivalent research doctorate in oral health sciences or any closely related health field.

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Research experience of at least 5 years, or a scholarly profile demonstrably commensurate with appointment at this level.

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A relevant doctoral qualification, preferably a PhD or equivalent research doctorate in oral health sciences or any closely related health field.

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At least 5 years of post-PhD research experience with extensive experience within a university research environment, including research leadership, academic mentoring, postgraduate supervision, research performance; or a scholarly profile demonstrably commensurate with appointment at this level.

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A strong and sustained publication record, with at least 25 peer-reviewed publications, with at least first /senior authorship on 10 publications, in ISI-indexed / DHET accredited journals, or an equivalent portfolio of high-quality scholarly outputs relevant to the field with evidence of research influence, disciplinary contribution and the ability to support a high-performing research culture .

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A strong postgraduate supervision record, including the successful completion of at least 2 doctoral and 5 master’s-level candidates together with evidence of ongoing postgraduate and/or postdoctoral research mentorship •

Demonstrable experience in oral and dental research environments, supported by scholarship, collaborations or programme leadership in areas directly relevant to oral health sciences.

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Evidence of competitive grantsmanship, including successful external research funding and/or significant leadership in high-quality grant applications.

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Sound knowledge of research ethics, governance, compliance and quality assurance in a health sciences and university context.

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Excellent strategic judgement, interpersonal skills, communication, organizational capability and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key responsibilities

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Develop, implement and monitor a School-wide research strategy aligned with Faculty and University priorities, while advancing relevant South African, African and global oral health agendas.

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Provide intellectual and strategic leadership to grow high-quality research across maxilla-facial, oral and dental health sciences, including clinical, material science, molecular, translational and public health.

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Stimulate and drive transdisciplinary research.

• Strengthen research productivity and quality through mentorship of academics, clinician-scientists, early- and mid-career researchers, postgraduate supervisors and research teams.

• Drive competitive grantsmanship and sustainable programme development by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening proposals, supporting fundable research pipelines and contributing to major collaborative submissions.

• Advance postgraduate research training, supervisory quality, student throughput, research publication output, and the integration of postgraduate researchers into productive research programmes.

• Build strong national and international collaborations with universities, health services, research institutes, professional bodies, funders, communities and strategic partners.

• Promote rigorous research governance, ethics, compliance, data stewardship, responsible authorship, research integrity and quality assurance within the school.

• Represent the School in relevant research structures of the faculty and advise the Head of School on research priorities, performance, partnerships, infrastructure needs and strategic investment.

Preferred attributes

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Demonstrated leadership of research teams, research programmes, multi-institutional consortia or internationally collaborative initiatives.

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A proven ability to grow research capacity, mentor developing scholars and translate research into clinical, policy, educational or societal impact.

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Editorial, peer-review, professional society, external examiner or other recognised scholarly service that strengthens the School’s academic standing.

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Experience with research planning, performance monitoring, research reporting and institutional research development.

For promotion criteria click here Promotion Criteria

Enquiry: Prof Sindisiwe Shangase ***email_hidden***

Closing date: 31 July 2026

Detailed Description

Additional Details

How To Apply

Please apply via i-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za by 31 July 2026.

Submit a covering letter clearly indicating which post you are applying for, a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees via i-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za

Only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting. An interview will form part of the selection process

NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate’s current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager.

No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained

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

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.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home