University of KwaZulu-Natal | View - Dean: College Research

Dean: College Research

Listing reference: ukzn_000611

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 15 July 2025

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Westville

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

The College of Law and Management Studies at UKZN seeks to appoint an experienced senior scholar and leader to hold the role of College Dean of Research. This is an academic leadership role, which provides strategic direction and coordination in all research related matters in the College. The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) incorporates UKZN’s expertise and offerings in several disciplines in the schools of Law, Commerce, and Graduate School of Business and Leadership. The College is home to a large variety of innovative research programmes. The College also enjoys significant links with professional bodies and the incumbent will join academics and experts in professions such as legal practice, accountancy, marketing, financial management, human resources and public administration under one academic structure as we push boundaries, drive change and make a global impact. UKZN and its College of Law and Management Studies are seeking to increase postgraduate enrolments as well as enhance the quality and impact of its research outputs.

Job description

The incumbent will represent the College on the University Research and Ethics Committee, and support the DVC for Research and Innovation and the University Dean of Research in implementing and developing policy, and overseeing consistency of policy application.
They will chair the Research Committee of College of Law and Management Studies, and be a member of the University Senate and other academic structures.
The College Dean will report jointly to the College DVC for Law and Management Studies and the University DVC for Research and Innovation.
The incumbent will be expected to lead strategic partnerships with higher education institutions continentally and globally, and support the college in attracting academic staff and research students, and in promoting the conduct of significant research.

The term of office for this position is five (5) years with the possibility of renewal based on performance. For applicants who are permanent staff members of UKZN, the successful applicant will revert to his/her substantive academic position at the end of this term of office.

Minimum requirements

Relevant PhD/Doctoral degree.
Professor/Associate Professor with at least three (3) years’ experience in an academic/research leadership role.
Track record of attracting competitive research grants.
An established research/academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record and proven excellence in research at a level that attracts respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies.
A broad understanding of research developments in the various disciplines within the relevant College at a regional, national and global level.

Essential Skills

Excellent communications skills.
Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills.
Understanding of the higher education environment in South Africa and the relevant legislation.
Evidence of good knowledge of the SA academic and higher education environment.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 July 2025.

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form (application form – academic) and CV which is available on the Vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.

Benefits

Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service.

The remuneration package offered includes benefits and will be dependent on the qualifications and/or experience of the successful applicant.