Job Description

About the Investec Chair

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, organisations, and societies and opening new frontiers for sustainable business transformation. The Investec Chair will be housed within WBS and based within the Digital Business and Information Systems (DB/IS) discipline and will:Develop and coordinate AI scholarship and curriculum across WBS disciplines and aligned with strategic plans and accreditation requirements. Delivery of academic programmes to integrate AI into business education, ensuring future business leaders are equipped with the skills to harness AI within a sustainability framework. Lead and promote a high-quality research environment with a team of researchers to undertake scholarly specialist research into AI foundations, practices, risks, and ethics for sustainable business. Contribute to the work of the Wits MIND Institute to advance AI thought-leadership and applications that accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Develop the AI talent pipeline through coordination and postgraduate supervision. Partner with industry to co-create case studies, short courses, workshops, and solutions that address real-world AI and sustainability challenges.

Develop and maintain interactions with administration, to ensure the effective implementation of academic, industry and professional matters relating to AI.


The MIND Institute, which is based at the University of the Witwatersrand, is Africa's first dedicated research hub advancing interdisciplinary research to deepen understanding of natural and artificial intelligence. As the Investec Chair, you will play a central role in this ambitious agenda, bridging business, technology, and sustainability in an interdisciplinary environment.

Candidate profile

We seek an exceptional scholar and thought leader appointable at the level of Professor with:a doctorate in a relevant field a visible record of international scholarship and a strong research focus on the impact of AI in enterprise and industry, digital transformation, sustainability, or related fields. the ability to undertake and lead research projects- focused on AI applications, socio-technical systems, and enterprise contexts. the ability to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across academia, industry, and policy. a strong track record of postgraduate supervision and talent development a proven track record of effective teaching at the postgraduate level, experience in curriculum development and teaching at a business school will be a significant advantage. ability and/or interest to draft industry case studies on applied AI initiatives. the vision to position WBS as a leader in responsible AI business innovation.

Why Join?

Be part of an inter disciplinary team focussed on addressing the implications of AI for Africa's development Shape the future of AI-driven sustainable business in collaboration with industry leaders. Lead a high-impact platform for innovation, critical discourse, and policy influence. Drive change at the intersection of technology, business, and society--in Africa's financial hub.

The Chair appointment is for a period of up to five-years with the possibility of a permanent appointment thereafter, shorter appointment periods or flexible arrangements will also be considered. This is a unique opportunity to use your academic expertise to drive sustainable business transformation in Africa. If you are ready to make a lasting impact, apply today!



Detailed Description

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How To Apply

CLOSING DATE:

30 November 2025

Applicants are invited to apply for the above positions through the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za
The application should consist of inter alia, a covering letter indicting their suitability and vision for the position. The application should also include a CV with the name, address and contact details, (including email addresses) of three referees. International applicants with the necessary qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply.


Email applications will not be accepted. Only those through the I-Recruitment platform will be considered.

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University's Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University's recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.





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