HEAD OF THE WITS ORIGINS CENTRE

Wits Origins Centre Head

Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall academic project in collaboration with the relevant schools, institutes and centers within the Faculty of Science and across the University.
• Some teaching and supervision of postgraduate students will be required.
• Foster and grow at least two to three new Origins research foci.
• Promote utilisation of the Wits Origins Center for undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities.
• Develop cross‑disciplinary synergistic collaborations both internal and external to Wits, including with international partners.
• Apply innovative cross‑disciplinary approaches for the development of new research foci, academic courses, and museum exhibitions.
• Provide ongoing support for the progress of the new master’s in science communication course which was launched in 2025.
• Oversee and develop new research and postgraduate student fundraising initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

A PhD or equivalent qualification at the competency of Senior Lecturer level, with a background in archaeology, or a related field, and some museum experience. The successful candidate will be a people‑centered leader, with demonstrable experience in staff management, an ability to nurture strategic relationships and partnerships and raise funds. They will have a track record of producing high‑impact multi‑disciplinary research; experience of working within and leading research teams; have undertaken teaching administration and development of learning materials and curricula; post‑graduate supervision experience; and demonstrated contributions made by the candidate to the broad university environment. They will be required to produce original scientific research in their discipline and have some experience in science communication. The salary will be competitive, and commensurate with the knowledge and experience required to head the Wits Origins Centre.

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