Overview
Head of Division: Research Development Jobs in Johannesburg, South Africa at Wits University
Position: Head of Division: Research Development (AC.06.3)
Brief Description
Minimum requirements
• South African Citizens or Permanent Residence with a relevant doctoral qualification, preferably a PhD or equivalent research doctorate in oral health sciences or any closely related health field.
• Research experience of at least 5 years, or a scholarly profile demonstrably commensurate with appointment at this level.
• A relevant doctoral qualification, preferably a PhD or equivalent research doctorate in oral health sciences or any closely related health field.
• At least 5 years of post-PhD research experience with extensive experience within a university research environment, including research leadership, academic mentoring, postgraduate supervision, research performance; or a scholarly profile demonstrably commensurate with appointment at this level.
• A strong and sustained publication record, with at least 25 peer-reviewed publications, with at least first /senior authorship on 10 publications, in ISI-indexed / DHET accredited journals, or an equivalent portfolio of high-quality scholarly outputs relevant to the field with evidence of research influence, disciplinary contribution and the ability to support a high-performing research culture.
• A strong postgraduate supervision record, including the successful completion of at least 2 doctoral and 5 master’s-level candidates together with evidence of ongoing postgraduate and/or postdoctoral research mentorship
• Demonstrable experience in oral and dental research environments, supported by scholarship, collaborations or programme leadership in areas directly relevant to oral health sciences.
• Evidence of competitive grantsmanship, including successful external research funding and/or significant leadership in high-quality grant applications.
• Sound knowledge of research ethics, governance, compliance and quality assurance in a health sciences and university context.
• Excellent strategic judgement, interpersonal skills, communication, organizational capability and stakeholder engagement skills.
Key responsibilities
• Develop, implement and monitor a School-wide research strategy aligned with Faculty and University priorities, while advancing relevant South African, African and global oral health agendas.
• Provide intellectual and strategic leadership to grow high-quality research across maxilla-facial, oral and dental health sciences, including clinical, material science, molecular, translational and public health.
• Stimulate and drive transdisciplinary research.
· Strengthen research productivity and quality through mentorship of academics, clinician-scientists, early- and mid-career researchers, postgraduate supervisors and research teams.
· Drive competitive grantsmanship and sustainable programme development by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening proposals, supporting fundable research pipelines and contributing to major collaborative submissions.
· Advance postgraduate research training, supervisory quality, student throughput, research publication output, and the integration of postgraduate researchers into productive research programmes.
· Build strong national and international collaborations with universities, health services, research institutes, professional bodies, funders, communities and strategic partners.
· Promote rigorous research governance, ethics, compliance, data stewardship, responsible authorship, research integrity and quality assurance within the school.
· Represent the School in relevant research structures of the faculty and advise the Head of School on research priorities, performance, partnerships, infrastructure needs and strategic investment.
Preferred attributes
• Demonstrated leadership of research teams, research programmes, multi-institutional consortia or internationally collaborative initiatives.
• A proven ability to grow research capacity, mentor developing scholars and translate research into clinical, policy, educational or societal impact.
• Editorial, peer-review, professional society, external examiner or other recognised scholarly service that strengthens the School’s academic standing.
• Experience with research planning, performance monitoring, research reporting and institutional research development.
For promotion criteria Promotion Criteria
Enquiry: Prof Sindisiwe Shangase e@
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Detailed Description
Job Requirements Additional Details
Title: Head of Division: Research Development
Company: Wits University
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Category: