Professor/Associate Professor (CBE: Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development) (3 Year Fixed -Term Contract)

Introduction The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future". Duties & Responsibilities “Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO Job Description:The University of Johannesburg invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the position of Professor/Associate Professor (3 year fixed-term contract) within the office of the DST/NRF Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development. The Chair is an international programme that addresses African issues, operating as a strategic hub for excellence that fosters deep synergy between North-South and South-South research networks.This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate within a well-established global partnership, rooted in a core trilateral alliance between the University of Johannesburg, the University of Sussex in the UK, and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya. Beyond these founding members, our research impact is further amplified through a strategic global network that includes active collaborations with world-class institutions such as the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR) and the University of Ghana, among others.Join a vibrant, international team dedicated to cutting-edge inquiry at the forefront of African development. We seek applicants with a disciplinary background in Economics, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Studies/Science or a strong academic background in a related discipline will be considered. Research specialisations on topics related to Innovation will be strongly considered, including but not limited to the following: emerging technologies and the 4th Industrial Revolution; gender issues related to innovation; innovation and environmental sustainability; innovation policy and the governance of innovation.  This is a full-time position. Responsibilities:  The incumbent will be expected to:Research Excellence & Impact: Produce and maintain a record of high-impact research, publishing extensively in leading international journals and contributing to the global discourse on transformative innovation.Capacity Building: Lead the supervision of postgraduate students and provide strategic mentorship and collaboration for Postdoctoral Fellows.Curriculum & Professional Development: Design and deliver advanced teaching materials at the postgraduate level and contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives for policy and industry stakeholders.Project Leadership: Initiate, secure funding for, and manage complex research projects, ensuring they align with the Chair’s long-term objectives.Strategic Support: Contribute to the overall management of the Research Chair, including supporting and deputising for the Chair holder as required, and ensuring the successful execution of supervision, research, and policy engagement plans.Global Knowledge Exchange: Represent the Chair at international conferences and seminars, while spearheading the organization of academic and multi-stakeholder colloquiums and workshops to enhance disciplinary knowledge.Partnership Development: Proactively host visiting international researchers and cultivate institutional partnerships that strengthen the Chair's global network.Academic Stewardship: Contribute to the essential academic and research administration necessary for the sustained excellence of the unit.Fundraising & Sustainability: Identify strategic funding opportunities and lead the application process for substantial grants to support both individual and collaborative research projects. Desired Experience & Qualification For appointment at Professor Level:A Doctoral qualification (preferably in Economics, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Studies/Science; applicants with a doctorate in a cognate discipline and with specialisation related to innovation will also be considered).Expertise in or linked to the field of innovation.Between eight- and ten-years’ working experience in the Higher Education and/or Research environment.A proven research track record in reputable journals and conference proceedings.Supervision experience at Masters’ and Doctoral level.Experience in mentoring early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellowsProven research excellence and sustained, significant research outputs.Proven knowledge and experience in both Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies at postgraduate level.Experience in delivering teaching materials and engaging with students at the postgraduate level.Proven track record in raising funds for research and managing research projects.Proven ability to think critically, analytically and laterally across disciplines and sectors (transdisciplinary).Fluent in written and oral English communication. For appointment at Associate Professor Level:A Doctoral qualification (preferably in Economics, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Studies/Science; applicants with a doctorate in a cognate discipline and with specialisation related to innovation will also be considered).Expertise in or linked to the field of innovation.Between five- and seven-years’ working experience in the Higher Education Research environment.An excellent record of relevant academic publications.Experience in supervising postgraduate students.Proven knowledge and experience in both Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies at postgraduate level.Experience in delivering teaching materials and engaging with students at the postgraduate level.Proven track record in raising funds for research and managing research projects.Proven ability to think critically, analytically and laterally across disciplines and sectors (transdisciplinary).Fluent in written and oral English communication. Recommendations:Experience in managing large research projects.An NRF rating (or equivalent), or the capability of obtaining one within 2 years.A good/successful research fundraising track record.Evidence of sourcing external research funding. Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:Excellent written and verbal English communications skills.Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with colleagues.Good planning and organisational skills.Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office package.The ability to publish in high-impact journals.The ability to supervise graduate students.Research management skills.Overall management skills. Enquiries:Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof Erika Kraemer-Mbula (SARChI Chair) on Tel: (011) 559 7447Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Ms. Samkelisiwe Chiliza (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 2548