University of KwaZulu Natal Vacancies

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Language Researcher

Listing reference: ukzn_000799

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 10 April 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Durban

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

The language Researcher shall have excellent communicative skills in both English and isiZulu. She/he shall have excellent writing skills in both English and isiZulu.

Job description

She/he will:

Develop critical research tools and manuals to enable the collection, collation and storage of data for corpus and terminology developments
Provide critical data analysis and development of reports on all ULPDO projects
Develop research on language policy and planning within the South African context
Organise fieldwork, workshops, seminars, colloquia on corpus and terminology development, language policy in higher education, and the intellectualisation of African indigenous languages
Publish articles on language policy and language development in DoHET accredited journals commensurate with his/her grade

Minimum requirements

MA Degree or Equivalent: African Languages, Language Practice, Language Research and Linguistics
Knowledge in Research, Language Policy and Planning
Knowledge in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, etc
Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience

Advantages:

PhD studies in African languages, Language Practice, Language Planning/Sociolinguistics or Linguistics

The closing date for receipt of applications is 10 April 2026.

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.

Click here to apply

Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Commercialisation

Listing reference: ukzn_000797

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 17 April 2026

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.

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.

Click here to apply

Executive Director: Student Services Five (5) Year Fixed-Term Appointment

Listing reference: ukzn_000796

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 17 April 2026

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 the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. UKZN was formed out of a merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal on 1 January 2004 and 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, covering the spectrum of the natural, biomedical, and social sciences as well as the humanities. The University is structured on a College model with four Colleges, namely: • Agriculture, Engineering, and Science; • Health Sciences; • Humanities, as well as • Law and Management Studies. Noting that all Colleges have a presence on at least three of the University’s five campuses. UKZN offers approximately 2000 academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with some 45 000 students and approximately 4000 staff members.

Job description

The current context of Higher Education in South Africa is seeing an increasing focus on the student voice, with funding pressures and competition at a new level. Demonstrating the value of a particular university’s degree and overall offering is becoming increasingly critical. In response to this, the University has developed a strategic approach to handling the entire student life cycle that is building on its strengths and positioning it as a leader in the sector. The role of Executive Director (Student Services) will be to oversee the full student life cycle at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, leading on relevant areas including the whole of the student pastoral journey, including student residential life, extracurricular engagement, and student innovations

The Executive Director (Student Services):
• manages the administration of the Directorate of Students Services (SSD) for the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
• serves as an advocate for students, and
• shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that promote student success, and wellbeing.

The incumbent is a full member of the senior leadership team, serves on the Executive Management Committee, and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. With other members of the Executive Management Committee, the Executive Director- Student Services will lead the creation of a culture of learning and engagement for UKZN students by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promote students’ academic and personal success, thereby increasing UKZN student employability.

Minimum requirements

• A Master’s Degree in a Discipline that is recognised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Fifteen (15) years of relevant and appropriate experience, of which eight (8) need to have been at a Senior management level.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of student funding, financial aid,
• Student discipline, student accommodation, and student wellness programmes.
• Experience of interaction with student governance in higher education and an
• Understanding of student culture in a transforming institution.

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
The incumbent must be an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities who is an
institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the Colleges and
Professional Services Sector involving staff across the institution and with stakeholders.
In addition, s/he would be expected to have:
• the ability to inspire and motivate;
• proven capabilities as a team leader;
• good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• outstanding written and oral communication skills for written work, public relations, networking, and team building;
• the ability to make considered, well-balanced and reasoned decisions;
• an inclusive and collegial management style;
• the ability to represent the University at formal events and meetings with outside bodies and to establish relationships with stakeholders;
• the ability to understand developments in the Higher Education arena, both nationally and internationally, and a high regard for learning and teaching practices, scholarship, and research.
• The ability to communicate in IsiZulu would be advantageous.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicants are required to provide:
• a detailed motivation highlighting experience in each of the requirements listed above
• a detailed CV

PLEASE NOTE THAT:

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.

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.

Click here to apply

Executive Director: Human Resources ( 5 Year Fixed-Term)

Listing reference: ukzn_000795

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 17 April 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Westville

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Job description

The Executive Director: Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, and in linking human resource management with organisational strategy. The Executive Director: Human Resources manages the University’s Human Resources Division, including the Division’s budget, and will oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources, and Organisational Development and Reward Services. The University of KwaZulu-Natal strives to establish the University as an Employer of Choice in the South African Higher Education Sector and the Executive Director Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to achieve this objective, by the creation and maintaining of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement and wellbeing.

Minimum requirements

An appropriate Master’s Degree. (i.e Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management)
Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources.
Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment.
Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others.
Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions.
Experience in change management and advocacy.
Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services.
The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

The incumbent must be a person with exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics; who is an institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour; who gives leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments; and capably engages all external University Stakeholders.
In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:
An ability to provide strategic human resource direction to the Colleges.
Sound judgement, above average analytical ability and a conceptual thinker.
A champion to deliver above average results, by being committing to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges and diligently executing assignments.
Exceptional self- and people-management skills.
Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, team management and fostering productive working relationships.

Respect for confidentiality and is trustworthy.
Hold relevant business and administrative management acumen.
Capability to undertake/manage strategic projects and assignments.
Provide competent, respectful and ethical leadership.
Puts into practice and embody the University Values – R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty and Trust).

ADVANTAGES:

The ability to communicate in IsiZulu.
A registered member of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP) and/or the Institute of Personnel Management South Africa (IPM)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Applicants are required to provide:
A detailed motivation highlighting 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.

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.