Position Title: Deputy Dean - Research

Requisition ID: 1081

Department: Faculty of Health Sciences

City: Cape Town

DEPUTY DEAN: RESEARCH

(5-year contract; Full Time)

Dean’s Office

Faculty of Health Sciences

UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences has a global reputation for medical achievement and ground-breaking research that has impacted on health sciences locally, nationally, regionally, and globally. UCT continues to enjoy excellent international rankings and the Faculty has been recognised as being in the top 100 globally for health sciences. Applications are invited for a Deputy Dean: Research to contribute to this innovative and responsive research enterprise and enhance the Faculty’s research contribution in the global environment. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to support UCT’s large and complex Health Sciences Research Enterprise.

We seek to attract a candidate with strong leadership and managerial ability, who will promote a spirit of enquiry and transformation through strengthening the research culture and improving the conduct, quality, relevance, and support of research in the Faculty. This will be a full-time 5-year contract renewable based on performance.

Requirements:

A PhD in a relevant discipline OR clinical professional qualifications, with significant research and fundraising portfolio
Candidates with a clinical qualification would require additional postgraduate and/or specialist qualification
Demonstrable knowledge of local and international funding agencies and mechanisms
At least 10 years’ experience in research management
Experience in building research capacity in the health sciences
Evidence of leadership in, and implementation of, innovations aimed at transforming research agendas
Has a strong Afrocentric outlook and ability to form strong collaborations within the African context.
Sound knowledge and insight into the principles and current trends nationally and internationally in human and/or animal research ethics.
Understanding of the financing of research and experience in the management of large budgets.
Proven written and verbal communication skills and ability to function effectively as part of a senior management team.

The following will be advantageous:

Experience in strategy development and research capacity development initiatives.
Previous member of a Human or Animal Research Ethics Committee.
Understanding of the breadth of health sciences research in SA including the intersection of laboratory, clinical and population health domain.

Responsibilities:

Upholding the Faculty’s commitment to quality research that is relevant and has the potential to impact the health of the people of South Africa and beyond
Enabling research strategy and planning
Driving strategic and sustainable growth of research in the Faculty
Leadership of the Faculty Research Portfolio and oversight of the Faculty Research Enterprise budget
Building research capacity at all levels, and facilitating transformation and succession planning
Line management, including performance management, of senior staff in the Faculty Research Portfolio
Contributing to the overall Faculty vision and mission
Strategic planning for the Faculty’s Research Enterprise
Implementation and updating of the Faculty’s Strategic Plan for Research
Developing and strengthening research partnerships within the Faculty and University, as well as nationally, regionally, and internationally
Liaison with research bodies, researchers’ partner employers and relevant statutory councils on behalf of the Faculty and promoting the use of the provincial service platform for clinical, translational and health systems research
Identifying and procuring funding to support strategic initiatives and building faculty-wide research infrastructure and capacity
Strengthening and optimising the use and management of the Faculty’s core facilities and major equipment infrastructure
Developing and overseeing implementation of research-related marketing and communication strategies
Strengthening and optimising the Faculty’s research management information systems
Overseeing a strong hub for research support

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

The appointment is at the level of full / associate professor with an annual remuneration package, including benefits, that is dependent on qualifications and experience. Appointment to this position is based on a five-year full-time contract, which is subject to an annual performance review against agreed objectives. The contract is renewable subject to a prescribed performance review.

To apply, click the "apply" button 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 or professional registration
Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
Highest qualification
ID/Passport

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: 25 May 2025

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

Reference number: ID1081

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 https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.