Professor in Musicology/Ethnomusicology
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top Universities in South Africa and in the top 500 Universities globally. The School of Arts is well established with a strong research profile and has a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Music Programme within the Music, Drama and Performance Discipline in the School of Arts enjoys a distinguished international reputation for its diverse, vibrant engagement across multiple streams including African Music and Dance, Western Classical Music, Opera Choral Studies and Jazz and Popular Music.
The successful candidate will provide high-level academic leadership, spearhead impactful research initiatives, and champion innovative curriculum design. This role is ideal for a scholar who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is passionate about exploring global and local music histories, popular music studies, and the socio-cultural fabric of contemporary performance.
The incumbent will teach core and specialised modules, mentor junior faculty, and serve in various leadership roles at the University.
The Incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Music, Drama & Performance
Minimum requirements
- A PhD degree in Historical Studies, or related discipline
- At least 9 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or the creative industries
- Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level of Professor
- Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants or creative project funding.
- A sustained track record of successful supervision and graduation of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
- Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
- Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department / School/ College/ University, which includes mentorship and coaching
This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx
Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer, email: youngm1@ukzn.ac.za
The closing date for receipt of application is 13 November 2026.
All applicants are required to apply online on Career Portal, https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php
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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
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