University of KwaZulu-Natal | View - Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Commercialisation

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Westville

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is situated in the subtropical seaside city of Durban and in the Midlands city of Pietermaritzburg, capital of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The University is one of the largest residential universities in sub-Saharan Africa and is located on five campuses - Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, Howard College, Westville and Umbilo Road. UKZN is one of the leading research-intensive and teaching universities in South Africa and on the continent. As one of South Africa’s pre-eminent research institutions, the University provides a dynamic environment for all facets of research and innovation. The University is structured on a College model with four Colleges, namely Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies, noting that the all Colleges have a presence on at least three of the University’s five campuses. UKZN offers a large number of academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with some 45 000 students and approximately 4000 staff members.

Job description

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research, Innovation and Commercialisation provides intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the area of research, innovation and knowledge exchange. S/he will be expected to lead the development and implementation of the University’s overall strategy to meet its goal of pre-eminence in research. This entails building a research ethos that fosters excellence, encourages novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students in order to be a pre-eminent producer of new knowledge both locally and globally, and defines UKZN as the premier university of African scholarship.

The Libraries that provide critical support services for research fall within this portfolio, as does the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and UKZN InQubate. This is a highly demanding position requiring a thorough understanding of research, considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities, and alignment with the University’s values.

Minimum requirements

PhD/Doctorate
A Full Professor for five years with experience in an academic/research leadership role.
An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record to engender respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies
A distinguished research background having published highly cited papers in peer-reviewed journals
A successful track record in devising and implementing strategic change and strategies for growth as well as driving organisational development and effectiveness
Evidence of successful networking and collaboration with external partners and research funding agencies
A track record of personal excellence in leading and managing a large and diverse staff complement
Excellence project management skills with strong evidence of successful large scale project delivery
A demonstrable record of leadership and management capabilities having worked with researchers, policy makers, community leaders and leaders of the private sector
Experience of constructing research partnerships which span national research system: universities, science councils, private sector laboratories and government research agencies; and the ability to represent the University in national and global forums about research and research development
A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University
Experience in working with all the various academic and administrative functions, especially research and both at the levels of policy and implementation
Knowledge and understanding of Higher Education environment
Demonstrated knowledge of all laws, regulations, and policies, including but not limited to clinical trial agreement, research ethics and intellectual property
Excellent knowledge and understanding of academic research environment and current issues in research administration, policy and funding
A thorough knowledge of South Africa’s science and technology systems, particularly the role of Universities in the creation of knowledge related to development imperatives confronting South Africa.
Ecosystem: Oversee and support the research enterprise, entrepreneurship among staff and students, technology transfer, and commercialization to turn knowledge into economic or social impact. This will include oversight of the technology transfer activities, and in particular, providing leadership to the university's intellectual property management and the creation and management of spin-off companies.
Strategic Leadership: Formulating and driving the institution's innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization strategies to enhance research output.
Partnerships & Engagement: Building relationships with industry, government, and funding agencies to foster collaborations and increase external research income, as well as enhance

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

Strong interpersonal capabilities, an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students, and across the institution and with stakeholders. In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:
To provide strategic direction by exercising good judgment, demonstrating excellent analytical ability, and conceptual thinking.
To champion the delivery of greater results by committing to action, displaying resistance, and executing assignments.
To manage self and others, demonstrate self-awareness, build talent, and ability to manage diverse teams.
To foster productive working relationships by resourcing projects and assignments,
And living University Values – R.E.A.C.H.T ( Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, and Honesty)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Applicants are required to provide:

A detailed motivation highlighting their experience in each of the requirements listed above
A detailed CV

PLEASE NOTE:

A job profile is available upon request
The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

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.

Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
The University is committed to Employment Equity.
The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.