head of the wits origins centre

Job Description:

The main responsibilities include:

Academic leadership of the Wits Origins Centre

• 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 Center 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 of the Wits Origins Centre

• 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. This includes, amongst others, 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. This includes a focus on growing a meaningful relationship between Origins Centre and 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 to share resources and collaborate on exhibitions.
• Promote Origins engagement with the public including 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 competency of Senior Lecturer level, 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, an ability to nurture strategic relationships and partnerships and raise funds. They will have: a track record of producing high-impact multi-disciplinary research; experience of working within and leading research teams; have undertaken teaching administration and development of learning materials and curricula; post-graduate supervision experience; and demonstrated contributions made by the candidate to the broad university environment. They will be required to produce original scientific research in their discipline and have some experience in science communication. The salary will be competitive, and commensurate with the knowledge and experience required to head the Wits Origins Centre.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Applications: Submit a cover letter accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document, and the names and email addresses of three referees.

To apply: External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits iRecruitment platform located at and submitting applications. Internal applicants are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service Applications /.

Enquiries: For further information, contact the relevant HR Officer, Ms. Refilwe Setuki on

Closing date: 12th December 2025

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University's Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University's recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home