Professor or Associate Professor and Head of Town and Regional Planning
University of Pretoria · Pretoria, Gauteng
Overview
The University of Pretoria is looking for a Professor or Associate Professor to lead the Department of Town and Regional Planning as Head of Department. This senior academic role combines teaching, research leadership and strategic management, with a four year renewable headship term. If you have a strong research record, planning qualifications and a vision for the future of the built environment, this is a chance to shape the next generation of planners at one of South Africa's top universities.
About the role
The University of Pretoria's Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology invites applications for the position of Professor or Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Town and Regional Planning.
As Head of Department, you will provide strategic, academic and transformational leadership. You will promote and manage academic and research programmes, grow the Department's research profile, recruit and manage world class personnel, and oversee all financial activities including externally funded projects. You will also act as an academic leader in the discipline locally, nationally and internationally, build partnerships, market the Department and lead research intensity through publications and PhD students.
The position is a permanent appointment at Professor or Associate Professor level, with the headship being a fixed term appointment of four years. Preference will be given to the incumbent for reappointment for a second term.
Application notes: Please attach a complete and updated Curriculum Vitae, a brief self evaluation, your vision for the Department, a short teaching portfolio and details of three contactable referees. Shortlisted candidates may be expected to make an 8 to 10 minute presentation to the Appointments Committee on their vision for the Department. The closing date is 3 December 2026. If you have not heard from the University by 31 March 2027, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
Requirements
- An appropriate undergraduate degree in Town and Regional Planning
- For Associate Professor: a PhD or Doctorate in Planning or a related field
- At least 6 years of tertiary education experience, or 6 years of industry experience with some involvement in tertiary education
- Experience in curriculum or strategy development and innovation
- Evidence of sustained publications output with at least 12 DHET accredited publications, of which at least 3 published in the last 5 years
- Majority of recent publications in WoS, Scopus or IBSS journals
- Evidence of at least 3 research Master's or 6 coursework Master's mini dissertations successfully completed (supervised or co supervised)
- Evidence of Doctoral student supervision
- Evidence of conducting reviewer duties for journals or conferences
- For Professor: at least 8 to 10 years of tertiary education and/or industry experience
- A well established and internationally recognised research record with at least 18 DHET accredited publications, of which at least 5 published in the last 5 years
- Evidence of successful Doctoral student completion, reviewer duties for ISI or Scopus indexed journals and conference papers delivered internationally
- An NRF rating is required for Professor level and preferred for Associate Professor level
- Experience in high level liaison with internal and external stakeholders and professional boards
- Experience in managing and leading activities, marketing technical projects for research contracts and funding, and managing academic and technical staff
- Professional knowledge and experience in the built environment
- Experience with accreditation processes and national or international collaboration
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic, academic and transformational leadership to the Department of Town and Regional Planning
- Promote, plan, organise, accredit and manage academic and research programmes and the Department's research profile
- Recruit and manage world class personnel
- Oversee all financial activities, including externally funded projects
- Act as academic leader of the discipline at local, national and international level and develop international partnerships
- Market and grow the Department
- Lead and promote research intensity within the Department in terms of research outputs, international publications and PhD students
Benefits
BESTMED medical aid scheme with 50% contribution of the applicable monthly premium
Job details
- Organisation
- University of Pretoria
- Location
- Pretoria, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Executive (6+ years)
- Education
- Doctorate
- Category
- Education & Training
- Closing date
- 3 December 2026
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
This is a senior academic leadership role, so your application needs to show more than just your research record. The University of Pretoria will be looking for a clear vision for the Department of Town and Regional Planning and evidence that you can lead people, manage budgets and build partnerships. Make sure your self evaluation and vision statement are specific to this Department and its research specialisation fields. In your CV, highlight your publications in WoS, Scopus or IBSS journals and your supervision record. If you are applying at Professor level, your NRF rating is essential. Prepare for the 8 to 10 minute presentation by practising a concise, compelling vision that speaks to transformation and excellence. Good luck.
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