Professor (DSI/NRF SaRCHI Chair in Blochchain Technology), School of Economics, Faculty of Commerce

The University of Cape Town (UCT), a leading research-intensive university in Africa, is seeking an outstanding academic to fill the prestigious DSI/NRF SaRCHI Chair in Blockchain Technology. This full-time Professor position is based in the School of Economics within the Faculty of Commerce in Cape Town.

As the top-ranked economics department in both South Africa and Africa, UCT’s School of Economics is known for its robust PhD programme and its focus on emerging regions. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in the cutting-edge field of Financial Technology (FinTech) with a special focus on blockchain technology.

The DSTI-NRF/Swiss Bilateral Chair is a distinguished appointment under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), providing significant funding and a strategic platform to drive excellence in research, innovation, and capacity development in emerging technologies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Blockchain Center at the University of Zurich on research, supervision, and teaching.

About the Role

This is a 3-year full-time contract/permanent position, with funding secured until October 2028. Beyond your annual cost of employment, you will have access to substantial funding for administrative support, travel, scholarships, bursaries, and other research-related expenses.

Key Requirements

To be considered for this influential role, you should meet the following criteria:

• A PhD in Economics or Finance.
• Appointable at the level of a full professor.
• Extensive evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Demonstrable international recognition for your research.
• A proven track record of teaching and supervision at both doctoral and master’s levels.
• Evidence of independently securing research funding to support your research activities.

Advantageous Skills & Experience

Having the following will strengthen your application:

• Peer-reviewed research specifically on financial technology, particularly blockchain technology.
• Active membership in national and/or international scholarly societies.
• Evidence of national and/or international collaborations.

Responsibilities

Research

• Actively contribute to the academic literature on financial technology, especially blockchain.
• Conduct collaborative research with the University of Zurich, including an annual research visit of at least one month.
• Develop and expand national and international research collaborations.
• Build capacity in blockchain technology across South Africa and Africa by training postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with a focus on designated groups.
• Secure research funding from national and international bodies.
• Contribute to the strategic development of blockchain technology at UCT and globally.

Teaching

• Your teaching load will be capped at 20% of a standard load.
• Teach a Financial Technology Masters course within the School of Economics.
• Supervise and co-supervise Masters and Doctoral students.
• Assist in curriculum development and review.

Leadership, Management, and Administration

• Convene the MPhil in Financial Technology in the School of Economics.
• Actively contribute to the Financial Innovation Hub at the School of Economics.
• Be prepared to lead and manage academic activities within the School, Faculty, and University when required.

Social Responsiveness

• Initiate and participate in social responsiveness activities within the School, Faculty, University, and broader society.

Salary

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is R1,694,867.

Application Process

Before finalisation of the appointment, the successful candidate will be required to prepare a research proposal in collaboration with the Head of the School, for approval by the NRF.

To apply, please visit the UCT Careers site (for external applicants) to create a profile and submit your application. Internal applicants should use the UCT Internal Careers site. Please ensure you attach the following documents:

• A covering letter of motivation addressing how you meet the outlined criteria.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Names and contact details (title, name, position, relationship, email, telephone number) of three referees.

Please indicate the position title and reference number (1202) in the subject line of any correspondence. References may be requested at any stage of the selection process.

Enquiries

For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact Mr. Ian Petersen at [email protected] or 021 650 2163.

Closing Date

Applications close on 13 November 2025.

Equity Statement

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to diversity, excellence, and redress as part of its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.