Deputy Vice-chancellor: Research

Post Number- 2148- Faculty/Department- University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation- Type of Position- Fixed Term Contract- Length of Contract Period- (FIVE (5) YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE OPTION OF RENEWAL)- Location- Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)- Closing Date- 18/1/2026- **Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas**- **DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR: RESEARCH & INNOVATION** **(FIVE (5) YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE OPTION OF RENEWAL)** - _The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic institution that is cognisant of the volatile, uncertain, complex, ever-changing and challenging global environment. The University actively responds, in critical and creative ways, to the developmental needs of the local, national and international contexts. UWC appreciates the opportunities of the academic project and wishes to build on its history of providing students with an excellent academic experience._ - The academic enterprise constitutes the core mandate of a university, hence the quality of its teaching, research and innovation endeavours is integral to its success. UWC recognises the complexity of the academic project and wishes to build on its history of providing students with an excellent academic experience. To enhance the University's growing research standing and its ability to contribute to the country's innovation capacity, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation focuses specifically on these important areas. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation is responsible for leading the University's research and innovation portfolio, in collaboration with various partners and external stakeholders. The role also leads, amongst others, research development and postgraduate support; technology transfer, research policy and implementation, library services, the gender equity unit, e-research and the centre of excellence in food security. - The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation reports to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor and as a member of the University Executive shares in the responsibility to drive the institution’s strategic direction in line with the Institutional Operating Plan and effective governance. - Given the University’s aspiration to deepen its research identity and expand its innovation impact, this portfolio demands a leader with substantial academic authority, proven strategic insight, and a sustained record of scholarly and leadership excellence. - **This portfolio calls for an individual with**: - An excellent and established research track record; - Experience in leading dynamic research environments; - Strategic leadership acumen; - Knowledge of global trends; and - Skills in setting up and developing innovation enterprises. - The ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and university-wide partnerships; - Competency in managing financial and human resources; - Strong people-management skills; - The ability to operate effectively in a senior leadership environment with multiple, simultaneous demands; - Excellent skills in writing, presenting reports and communicating decisions; and - The ability to facilitate transformation at various institutional levels.- - **Minimum Requirements**- - A Doctoral degree and be eligible to be appointed at a Professor level; - A deep insight into every aspect of tertiary education, be it teaching and learning, research and innovation and professional support services: - The deep insight must have been demonstrated in the ten-plus (10+) years of management experience; and - A minimum of 25 (twenty-five) peer-reviewed and accredited discipline-recognised research outputs, including creative or practice-based work where applicable; - Research skills should demonstrate both knowledge impact (e.g. citations, scholarly uptake) and social impact (e.g. influence on policy, practice, or community outcomes); - Evidence of sustained national and/or international recognition as a leading researcher and demonstrated success in leading and securing research funding, including multi-institutional or interdisciplinary grants; - Experience of having supervised or co-supervised at least five (5) Doctoral (e.g. PhD) graduates and at least ten (10) Master’s graduates, with the majority as main supervisor; and - Evidence of regular dissemination of research in high-impact academic platforms (e.g. journals, keynote addresses, public scholarship). - Finally, an applicant must have an NRF rating or an equivalent indicator of scholarly standing (such as election to a learned academy, editorial leadership in a prestigious journal, or recognised international awards). **Applications should be submitted online by 18 January 2026.** - NB: This is a five-year contract with the possibility of it being extended for a second term. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The successful applicant must be eligible to serve at least one full term (from date of appointment) before reachin