Professor / Associate Professor (College of Business & Economics: School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) invites dedicated and experienced academics to apply for a Professor or Associate Professor position within its School of Public Management, Governance, and Public Policy, part of the College of Business & Economics. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity to join a vibrant and globally-minded institution, contributing to its UJ Strategy 2035 focused on societal impact, global partnerships, and future-ready technology.

About the University of Johannesburg (UJ)

UJ is a leading South African university committed to transforming and serving humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge. Its vision is to be “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.”

About the Role

As a Professor or Associate Professor, your primary purpose will be to lead teaching and research activities in both traditional contact and online learning environments. You will also play a crucial role in engaging with the community, stakeholders, and partners to help UJ fulfil its mission.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Lecture, supervise, and assess undergraduate and postgraduate students in Public Administration, Public Management, Public Governance, Public Policy, and related disciplines.
• Coordinate academic modules and prepare comprehensive study materials.
• Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues across various platforms (face-to-face, telephone, email).
• Invigilate university examinations and ensure compliance with academic rules and regulations.
• Participate actively in university committees and official gatherings.
• Take a leading role in developing new courses or modules and continuously enhance the curriculum.
• Supervise Honours, Master’s, and PhD students from inception to completion.
• Undertake various administrative duties as required by the School Director.
• Represent the School in outreach activities such as Open Days and public lectures.

Research

• Continuously advance your knowledge in Public Administration and related fields through rigorous research, publications, and postgraduate supervision.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to producing excellent research and achieving UJ’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and lead a personal research program resulting in publications in key national and international peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Participate in collaborative research teams and inter-College initiatives.
• Identify opportunities and apply for substantial grants to fund new research projects.

Community Development

• Initiate and actively participate in community engagement projects and Pan-African partnership activities.

Individual Contribution

• Present your research and insights at School seminars.
• Collaborate with academics at other universities, including international partnerships.
• Take on a leadership role, contributing constructively to the team.
• Function as a role model, setting high standards of excellence.
• Be a strong and supportive team player.

Minimum Requirements

For Professor applicants

• An active NRF-Rating is essential.
• A recognised Doctoral qualification in Public Administration (or related fields such as Public Management/Governance, Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation).
• Willingness and ability to lecture large first-year undergraduate classes.
• At least five (5) years of research management experience.
• A proven record of excellence in accredited scholarly research outputs within Public Administration.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of proven national stature in the relevant disciplines.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of proven excellence and innovation in teaching and assessment at university level.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of proven experience in academic quality assurance, curriculum revision, and development.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of proven excellence in community interaction, capacity-building, and policy interventions (publication of opinion pieces and policy briefs in the media is highly recommended).
• At least four (4) years of proven postgraduate university supervision at Doctoral and Master’s levels.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of proven experience in departmental management within a university setting.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of proven experience in supervising online Master’s candidates.

For Associate Professor applicants

• An undergraduate bachelor’s qualification in Public Administration.
• A recognised Doctoral qualification in Public Administration (or related fields) with a strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Sound knowledge of Public Administration and related field theories at postgraduate level.
• Significant lecturing experience in Public Administration and related subjects at a reputable higher education institution (experience in lecturing research methodology is mandatory).
• Proficiency in online learning environments and the ability to teach using Learning Management Systems (e.g., Moodle).
• Ability to lecture large first-year undergraduate classes.
• A track record of publishing research findings in high-ranked accredited/peer-reviewed journals in Public Administration and related fields.
• Proven knowledge and extensive lecturing experience in Research Methodologies relevant to Public Administration and related disciplines at the postgraduate level (this is the most important requirement).
• Willingness to teach in other areas of Public Administration when required.
• An excellent record of recent and relevant academic publications.
• Experience in supervising postgraduate students at PhD and Master’s level to completion.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to publish in high-impact journals and supervise graduate students.
• Strong research management and overall leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in personal academic endeavors and innovative teaching practices.
• Proven ability to undertake and successfully complete scholarly research projects.

Recommendations

• A PhD degree in Public Administration.
• Strong skills in quantitative and/or qualitative research methodology.
• Proven experience of teaching research methodology at university level.
• Strong evidence of publications specifically on research methodology applicable to Public Administration.
• Ability to lecture effectively in both face-to-face and online learning environments, including large classes.
• Evidence of successfully supervising postgraduate students at Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral levels.
• Evidence of publications and presentations at conferences focused on quantitative and/or qualitative research methodology.
• A university qualification in teaching research methodologies at the postgraduate level is a strong recommendation.
• For the full Professor position, an NRF rating is highly recommended.
• For the Associate Professor position, an NRF-rating (or proof of NRF-rating application) or the willingness to apply for an NRF-rating within one year of appointment is strongly recommended.

Application Details

Remuneration: Market Related

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 14 September 2025

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please gather and upload the following documents via the application link provided:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees.
• A copy of your highest academic qualification.
• Proof of registration with any relevant professional bodies you may belong to.
• If applying for an academic position, a comprehensive list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative work.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments as part of the recruitment process.
• The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups.
• The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) Assessment: In terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), UJ is obligated to assess all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of this assessment may impact your possible employment with the University. For more information, please review: Justice/Criminal/NRSO.

Enquiries regarding job content: Prof Dominique Emmanuel Uwizeyimana (Director of School) at Tel: (011) 559 2385

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Ms. Samkelisiwe Chiliza (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 1809

For technical support or assistance with the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact PNET on 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.