HEAD (ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR)

DIVISION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (UCT) & NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES (NHLS)

The University of Cape Town (UCT), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invite applications for the permanent post of Professor/Associate Professor and Head of Division of Medical Microbiology in the Department of Pathology.

UCT is Africa’s highest-ranked university and a globally recognized institution committed to being “an outstanding teaching and research university, educating for life, and addressing the challenges facing our society”. As an ‘Afropolitan’ institution, UCT fosters centers of clinical, research and teaching excellence that will bring together academics from South Africa, the rest of Africa and the wider world to advance solutions to African and global challenges.

UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), established in 1912, is the leading health sciences faculty on the continent. Its vision is to be locally relevant and globally competitive, delivering world-class education, research and service.

The Department of Pathology, within which the Division of Medical Microbiology exists, contains seven other Divisions: Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Immunology, Haematology, Medical Virology and Human Genetics. These Divisions are established in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and/or the Provincial Department of Health. 

The Division of Medical Microbiology at UCT plays a pivotal role in Medical Microbiology research, medical education, and service provision. The Head of Division (HODiv) will lead, champion, and manage all focus areas within the Division, including medical microbiology research, teaching, training, and social responsiveness, both within South Africa and on an international scale. The HODiv will develop strategic and operational plans in consultation with the Head of Department (HOD) of Pathology, the Dean FHS, Groote Schuur Hospital CEO, and NHLS CEO, driving innovation and ensuring best practices in all activities. This role demands academic leadership to advance the Division’s scholarship, teaching, and standards, while fostering staff and student development and creating an integrated, innovative academic unit. The successful candidate will also manage Divisional staff and resources, promote diversity, transformation, and equity, and be prepared to assume the rotational role of HOD of the Department of Pathology. Active participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, clinical/laboratory diagnostics, and a multidisciplinary approach to Medical Microbiology across primary health care centres and hospitals in the Cape Town Metropolitan district is also expected.

Requirements:

• Recognised leader in the field of Medical Microbiology
• A specialist Medical Microbiologist with a minimum of seven (7) years post specialization experience.
• Registered with or eligible for registration with the HPCSA
• Demonstrated insight into opportunities for innovative diagnostic approaches relevant to South Africa and the broader African context
• Demonstrated experience and ability in teaching, training, and research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels with evidence of effective supervision to completion
• A strong research background, evidenced by a track record of international peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrated leadership ability across the service and teaching platforms
• Demonstrated evidence of insight into the challenges and opportunities for advancing health care and specifically through the discipline of Medical Microbiology in South Africa and Africa
• A proven track record of teamwork and the ability to build effective partnerships with internal, external, and international stakeholders
• A proven track record of mentorship and educational engagement for staff and students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated strong administrative and organisational skills

Advantages:

• A PhD in a relevant field
• Evidence of success in attracting national and international research funding
• A demonstrated track record of effective teaching experience in Medical Microbiology up to PhD level

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and actively participate in postgraduate education and training, and research, promoting a multidisciplinary approach in the division and department
• Provide oversight of the clinical and laboratory diagnostic services in the Division
• Provide leadership in the Department and manage its staff, resources and performance (service and academic), inspiring innovation and growth
• Provide leadership in addressing issues of diversity, transformation, inclusivity and equity, attracting and developing students and staff of high quality
• Fostering supportive and productive relationships between researchers, clinicians, infectious diseases specialists and diagnostic service providers in Medical Microbiology
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between both internal and external departments and divisions both within and outside the faculty and university
• Provide leadership with demonstrable capacity for role modelling, professionalism and collegial engagement
• Will be expected to be a productive academic, driving research and overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description on the following link: (view) 

The academic level of appointment will be made in alignment with the candidate’s current position, level of experience as well as the Faculty’s expectations for performance at the academic rank. Eligible candidates will be appointed at the level of Associate or Full Professor cognisant of the ad hominem promotion criteria of the Faculty.

The position is full-time on the establishment of the University of Cape Town, under the auspices of, and in terms of the agreements between, the University of Cape Town and the NHLS.

The annual remuneration package is in accordance with NHLS pay scales.

To apply, please click the 'apply' buttion to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position
• Proof of professional registration
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
• Copy of ID/Passport
• Highest qualification

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries about the application process are to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405.

Closing date:              16 August 2026

Faculty website:        https://health.uct.ac.za

NHLS website:           Home - National Health Laboratory Service

Reference number:    ID1427

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf.

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.