Prof: Molecular Biology/Human Genetics and Head of Department

• Providing intellectual and strategic leadership to position the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics and the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) as a leading centre in molecular biology and human genetics in Africa. ·
• Establishing and leading a vibrant research group in a field of research complementary to the focus areas of the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics and the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI)
• Leading the strategic, academic, and operational development of the Division in alignment with Faculty, Departmental, and BMRI priorities.
• Leading operational planning and coordination of all Division-specific academic activities, including teaching and research, social impact and service rendering.
• Fostering an inclusive and collegial environment that encourages a high level of performance, collaboration and teamwork.
• Managing finances, human resources and physical infrastructure, in accordance with the policies of Stellenbosch University and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).
• Reporting to the Executive Head of Department (EHoD) and relevant FMHS Committees on Division-specific activities.
• Representing the Division on departmental and BMRI structures, or where delegated for this purpose, on FMHS and partner employer committees/structures.
• In collaboration with the responsible manager(s) of the relevant service authorities, responsible for all aspects of Division-related planning and management of central and/or peripheral services, as outlined in the joint agreement(s) between SU and the relevant service authorities (where applicable) and in any applicable service level agreements.
• The Head of Division (HOD) is a member of the Departmental Management Committee (DMC) of the Department. ·
• As a full professor of the University with a laboratory within the BMRI, the incumbent will become a core member of the BMRI and contribute to the vision and activities of the BMRI.
• Performing other associated duties as delegated by the EHoD or Dean.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• Fulltime/permanent appointability in molecular biology or human genetics at the academic rank of full professor. ·
• PhD in molecular biology or human genetics or a closely-related field (such as genomics, medical biochemistry, bioinformatics, immunology, cell biology, etc.) ·
• An excellent academic, scholarly and scientific record with a comprehensive body of research outputs in their field of expertise commensurate with the academic rank of full professor at SU.
• International standing as a researcher academic. The incumbent must be an internationally recognised leader of an active and productive research group, a consummate academic researcher, well recognised for substantial and innovative contributions to the field. Competence in scientific research over the full spectrum of requirements that might be expected from a recognised research leader should be demonstrated. ·
• Leadership in large-scale or interdisciplinary programmes and international collaborations. ·
• Experience in building sustainable research groups and mentorship pipelines. ·
• Track record of significant and successful postgraduate training (including supervision of masters and doctoral students, and mentoring of postdoctoral fellows). ·
• Track record of successful grants and research funding and the ability to support their own research through external funding. ·
• Proven managerial experience in an academic environment. ·
• Proven leadership skills. ·
• Proven skills in management of financial resources

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Experience of interaction with academic and/or professional bodies at national and international level. ·
• Experience of working in, or engaging with, low- and middle-income country research contexts will be advantageous.