Deputy Vice Chancellor

In brief

Overview This role is for a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research and Innovation at the University of Kwazulu-Natal. The DVC provides intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the areas of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange, reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. It is a highly demanding position that involves leading the University's strategy to achieve pre-eminence in research. The portfolio under this role includes critical research support services such as the Libraries, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, and UKZN InQubate. What you will do The DVC: Research and Innovation will: * Provide intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the area of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. * Lead the development and implementation of the University’s overall strategy to meet its goal of pre-eminence in research. * Build a research ethos that fosters excellence, encourages novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students. * Work towards establishing UKZN as a pre-eminent producer of new knowledge both locally and globally, defining it as the premier university of African scholarship. * Oversee the Libraries that provide critical support services for research. * Manage the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and UKZN InQubate within the portfolio. Requirements (from the original advert) * 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. * 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. * To provide strategic direction by exercising good judgement, 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, building talent and ability to manage diverse teams. * To foster productive working relationships by resourcing projects and assignments. * Living University Values – R.E.A.C.H.T Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation and Honesty. Who should apply The ideal candidate should possess a thorough understanding of research, considerable intellectual flexibility, and strong leadership and managerial abilities. They must align with the University’s values of Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, and Honesty. Applicants should demonstrate good judgement, excellent analytical and conceptual thinking abilities, and a commitment to action and resilience in executing assignments. The successful candidate will also be self-aware, capable of building talent, managing diverse teams, and fostering productive working relationships. Deadline 23 October 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/deputy-vice-chancellor-university-of-kwazulu-natal Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• Project management

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

Job description

Before you apply

• Confirm the requirements and closing date on the original listing (myjobmag). SPANi lists vacancies from other sites and may not reflect last-minute changes.
• Legitimate employers do not charge application, registration or training fees.
• Don't send your ID or bank details before you have confirmed the employer is real.

How to spot a job scam

Applying for contract roles

• State your notice period, contract length you can commit to, and earliest start date.
• Highlight recent project delivery and tools used, not only long-ago permanent roles.
• Confirm whether the role is PAYE, independent contractor, or labour-broker before accepting.
• Keep records of the listing URL and closing date in case you need to follow up.