ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR

ELECTRON MICROSCOPE UNIT

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (EBE)

The University of Cape Town is seeking to recruit a Professor/Associate Professor and Director to lead the Electron Microscope Unit within the Aaron Klug Centre for Imaging and Analysis.

This world-class facility serves the nanoscale imaging needs of both the physical and life sciences, across Science, Engineering and Health Sciences at UCT, with a wide user base beyond UCT (http://www.emu.uct.ac.za). The Unit is located in a modern building that is purpose- built to house high resolution electron microscopes. The resources of the Unit include transmission and scanning electron microscopes, other related imaging tools, specialized preparative equipment and six scientific and technical officers capable of operating and maintaining the equipment.

The Director is expected to lead the Unit in the interests of the users of the facility, primarily researchers from the University of Cape Town and their post-graduate students, and to develop it as an internationally recognized multi-disciplinary facility in line with UCT’s strategic vision. The main purpose of the position is to lead, develop, maintain, market and manage the Unit to ensure that it is at the cutting edge of imaging and analysis techniques. Up to fifty percent of the Director’s time should be spent on self-initiated research in imaging and analysis or a field which uses modern imaging techniques extensively.

Requirements for the job:

At both levels:

• Possession of a PhD;
• Leadership of an active, well-funded, research programme;
• Substantial experience in the use of electron microscopy and other imaging and analysis techniques; in research, as evidenced by a publication record;
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills;
• Experience in managing the professional development activities of young scientists.

At Associate Professor Level

• A comprehensive academic track record including a strong publication record;
• At least five years’ experience in an academic and/or applied research environment;
• An excellent track record of raising funds for research as co- or lead investigator.

At Professor Level

• A comprehensive academic track record and a strong publication record including proven international recognition for specialist expertise in a particular area of academic scholarship. The greatest emphasis will be placed on academic work undertaken during the past five years;
• At least ten years’ experience in an academic and/or applied research environment, with an excellent reputation and leadership in the field and wider community;
• An excellent track record of raising funds for research as lead investigator, including international grants.

Appointments will take place in alignment with the Faculty’s expectations for performance at each rank. For more information, please visit http://www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/performance/promotion/academic#facultyprocedures.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing direction to the strategic growth and activities of the Unit;
• Marketing and the promotion of the Unit in the interests of the users of the facility;
• Conducting high quality scholarly research in an area that is closely related to nanoscale imaging and supervise postgraduate students;
• Educating researchers and postgraduate students in the application and use of advanced electron microscopy and other imaging and analysis techniques;
• Formulating grant proposals for new equipment and major long-term research projects;
• Developing and maintaining a business plan that aligns with the research support goals and services for the Unit, and ensuring its responsible financial management;
• Forging synergies between the Unit, the academic departments and other entities within and outside the University;
• Providing scientific leadership within the Unit; and
• Managing research teams.

The annual remuneration packages for 2025, including benefits, at the respective levels are as follows:

• Associate Professor       - R1, 378 741
• Professor                        - R1, 694 867

To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (for internal applicants) and UCT Careers site (for external applicants) to create a profile and submit your application.

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

• A covering letter of motivation which addresses the above criteria, including a statement on your

  potential contribution as the Director for the Unit
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three referee names, which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number

Please clearly indicate the level (Associate Professor/Professor) for which you are applying.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and deliver an open presentation to the Department.

References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Mr. Ian Petersen at ian.petersen@uct.ac.za or 021 650 2163.

Closing Date: 06 June 2025                             

Website:   www.ebe.uct.ac.za/

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.