Job Description

Advert reference:

uj_002050

Advert status:

Online

Apply by:

10 August 2025

Position Summary

Industry:

Education & Training

Job category:

Education and Training

Campus:

Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus

Contract:

Permanent

Remuneration:

Market related

EE position:

Open to all

Level:

Skilled

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ's mission is "To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge." The University is guided by the vision of building "An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".

Job description

The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg invites applications for the position of

Head of School: Graduate School of Architecture (GSA)

at the level of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor. This is a

prestigious leadership role for an ambitious and highly accomplished academic or professional with a distinguished track record.

Reporting directly to the Executive Dean of the Faculty, the Head of School (HoS) will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading a world-class, transformative pedagogical model, based on the unit system, that is deeply embedded in the African context. The GSA is internationally recognized for its excellence in architectural education, particularly through its joint professional programme (BArch Hons/MArch), and is actively expanding its research profile through the MArch (Design, Theory & Practice) and the forthcoming practice-led DPhil, launching in 2026.

The School is rapidly strengthening its research and teaching expertise in

design research, socially responsible design, making, landscape, urbanism, and critical theory.

The ideal candidate will have

demonstrated expertise in at least two of these areas

, along with the vision and leadership to drive new specialisations that align with the School's transformative ethos.

We seek a proven leader with a strong track record in teaching, research, and academic or professional leadership. The HoS will be responsible for the

strategic, academic, and operational management

of the GSA, overseeing budgetary and administrative functions while fostering an environment of intellectual and creative excellence. As a member of the Faculty's executive team, the HoS will contribute to the broader academic and institutional strategy, ensuring the School's continued impact on both local and global architectural discourse.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a progressive and internationally respected school of architecture, shaping the future of architectural education and research in Africa and beyond.

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, vision and direction to the School's faculty, staff and students; Contribute actively to research in your specialist field; Publish research, including the work of your students, using appropriate channels (peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations) as well as exhibitions, new forms of media and speaking engagements Administration and management (both day-to-day and financial) of the GSA; Participate in official meetings of the GSA and Faculty; Supervise postgraduate students within the appropriate programme offerings; Develop key national and international links and collaborative opportunities; Lead fundraising initiatives in the School and the Faculty; Actively contribute to the development and growth of the GSA.

Minimum requirements

A PhD in Architecture or related discipline Registered or registrable with SACAP or other relevant professional body An understanding of, and commitment to, the Unit System method of teaching; An in-depth and current knowledge of architectural design and/or urban design; A demonstrable research interest and proven research ability (articles, exhibitions, books); A record of collegiality, collaboration and initiative; Proven operational management skills; Experience of teaching/reviewing at tertiary level; Experience of supervision of postgraduate students; An international profile with a demonstrable network and collaboration potential

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

The ability to publish in high-impact journals The ability to supervise post graduate students Management and leadership skills Excellent written and verbal English communications skills Teaching skills and good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to collaborate with colleagues Excellent planning and organisational skills Staff and budget management skills Enthusiasm and passion for education, research and community engagement

Recommendations:

An NRF rating or equivalent is a recommendation at all levels of appointment

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding the job content:

Ms D Fouche at Tel: (011) 559 1604

Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits:

Ms Presheka Padayachey (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 3878


Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.


If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details:

0861 227337/010 140 3099

or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.


Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups.

As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.