Apart from the normal administrative duties as HoS, the position will involve the development of the vision of the School to become a leading institution in the basic and applied plant sciences.

Relevant research and teaching experience in these fields will be advantageous. The candidate will actively support and drive the commitment of the University of Pretoria’s 2025 vision to become a leading research university in Africa. The candidate will have to demonstrate a record of international research collaboration, teaching and supervision at different levels and a successful acquisition of external research grants. The University of Pretoria is seeking a highly motivated, internationally recognised scientist to develop the research programme and facilities in in the School. The candidate will be responsible for supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students and is expected to contribute to undergraduate as well as honours courses. The ideal candidate  will have experience in academic administration in a university context. Good contacts in the plant sciences field will be of advantage.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The candidate will be responsible for:

• The strategic, academic and operational management of the School;
• Promoting the School’s research profile;
• Ensuring scholarly academic and professional education and training;
• Playing an active role as academic leader of the discipline at a national and international level;
• Fundraising for departmental activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant doctorate with at least 10 years’ experience;
• Internationally recognised academic standing in a relevant discipline in plant science;
• A proven research and publication record and peer recognition;
• Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders;
• An appropriate vision for the School;
• Managerial skills and competencies;
• Strong leadership and communication skills;
• Diversity management skills;
• The ability to lead research programmes.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Managerial experience at a tertiary institution;
• A strong research record in one of the School’s research specialisation fields.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP, quoting the applicable reference number of the position advertised.

Applicants are requested to provide the following documentation in support of their application:

• A complete and updated Curriculum Vitae
• A brief self-evaluation by the candidate
• The candidate’s vision for the School
• Details of three contactable referees, including referees who can attest to the candidate’s academic activities as well as leadership qualities. The University reserves the right to appoint additional referees.

CLOSING DATE: 31 July 2014
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof A Ströh, Tel: (012) 420 2478
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2014, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

PLEASE NOTE: As part of the selection process, candidates may be expected to do a 15-minute presentation to the Appointments Committee on his/her vision for the School.

By applying, candidates agree to the appointment process as set out in the relevant UP policy document. This process can be accessed at http://www.up.ac.za/services/personnel/policies/w113E.doc.

The headship is a term appointment for a period of four years, but external candidates are also considered for a permanent academic appointment as Professor. Preference will be given to the incumbent for re-appointment for a second term.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised.