HEAD OF THE WITS ORIGINS CENTRE

Join to apply for the HEAD OF THE WITS ORIGINS CENTRE role at Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) Wits University . Job Description The appointment is a 5‑year fixed‑term performance‑related position. The successful appointee may revert to a substantive academic post in an appropriate school or institute following the fixed‑term period. The Head of the Origins Centre reports directly to the Dean of the Faculty of Science and is strategically supported by a stakeholder Steering Committee. Responsibilities Academic Leadership Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with the relevant schools, institutes and centers within the Faculty of Science and across the University. Some teaching and supervision of postgraduate students will be required. Foster and grow at least two to three new Origins research foci. Promote utilisation of the Wits Origins Centre for undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities. Develop cross‑disciplinary synergistic collaborations both internal and external to Wits, including with international partners. Apply innovative cross‑disciplinary approaches for the development of new research foci, academic courses, and museum exhibitions. Provide ongoing support for the progress of the new master’s in science communication course which was launched in 2025. Oversee and develop new research and postgraduate student fundraising initiatives. Operational Management Oversee the management and operations in line with university policies. Provide leadership and management guidance to staff. Take responsibility for sound financial management, including the administration of finances for all research, innovation, postgraduate training, undergraduate teaching and public engagement and community outreach activities. Take accountability for the successful functioning of commercial activities such as the museum shop. Develop entrepreneurial programmes that contribute to the sustainability of the enterprise, including the growth in use of the museum as a venue for corporate and social events. Ensure the necessary marketing of the facility and development of stakeholder communication and engagement strategies that promote growth and build key partnerships, including a meaningful relationship with the City of Johannesburg. Curation Overall leadership of Origins collections management, working with the curator on research and documentation, as well as exhibition planning and design. Ensure Origins compliance with legal and ethical standards in handling of artefacts and collections. Build collaborations with local, national and international museums, galleries and cultural institutions. Promote Origins engagement with the public through enhanced virtual exhibitions and interactive displays, talks, tourism and community outreach. Education and Science Communication Oversee the management and development of science communication content on site, including tour guide training, temporary and permanent exhibit development and upgrades. Expand learner engagement by facilitating new and exciting education outreach programmes, working with partners across the education, museum, heritage and tourism sectors. Oversee and develop new science communication and education fundraising initiatives. Enhance access to and promote academic tourism at Origins. Qualifications, Experience and Remuneration A PhD or equivalent qualification at the level of Senior Lecturer, with a background in archaeology or a related field, and some museum experience. The successful candidate will be a people‑centered leader with demonstrable experience in staff management, strategic relationships, partnership building and fundraising. A track record of producing high‑impact multi‑disciplinary research, experience in leading research teams, teaching administration, curriculum development, and postgraduate supervision is required. Experience in science communication is also important. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the required knowledge and experience. How to Apply Submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document, and the names and email addresses of three referees. External applicants: register your profile on the Wits iRecruitment platform at and submit applications. Internal applicants: apply directly on Oracle via iWits > Self Service Applications > “Apply for a job”. Consecration date: 12th December 2025. Personal Information Processing By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University, in accordance with the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. This includes background and reference checks. Employment Equity The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from under‑represented designated groups in accordance with the relevant employment equity plans and policies. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re‑advertise. Contact: Ms. Refilwe Setuki (HR Officer), #J-18808-Ljbffr