DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - DATA SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 02 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Business Unit: Research Institute

Minimum experience: Not Applicable

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Education

Job Description

INSTITUTE FOR DATA SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

SIX PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITIONS

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

DUT INSTITUTE FOR DATA SCIENCE AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

(2 × Professors / 2 × Associate Professors / 2 × Senior Lecturers)

With more than 34 400 students and approximately 1 700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology located in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT is a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots extending to 1907.

DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. Its Philosophy of Education—‘Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society’—reflects a commitment to meaningful societal transformation. Guided by ENVISION2030, DUT’s DNA is ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’, with an institutional purpose centred on improving lives and livelihoods.

The Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is being established as a horizontal research capability across DUT. It will advance rigorous, locally grounded and trustworthy data science and AI; develop scarce postgraduate capability; build African datasets and methods; and work with faculties, research institutes, government, communities and industry to generate scientific, societal and economic value. It is a research institute—not DUT’s general software-development or ICT operations office.

The Institute research agenda

The three foundational priority themes for the institute are:

●       African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence

●       Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI

●       AI for Sustainable Systems and Public Value

Appointment note. Applicants should apply for the position whose stated specialisation most closely matches their research record. Cross-theme collaboration is expected, but shortlisting will assess the specific expertise required for the advertised position.

Position 1

PROFESSOR: AFRICAN-LANGUAGE AI, NATURAL-LANGUAGE PROCESSING AND SPEECH TECHNOLOGIES

Theme 1: African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence

Reference Number: 30002782

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Professor will establish and lead a focused research programme in African-language AI, natural-language processing and speech technologies. The appointee will work within Theme 1: African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in either Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computational Linguistics, Electrical/Electronic or Computer or Communication or Information Engineering, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership in African-Language AI, natural-language processing and speech technologies.

●       Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (i.e. grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

African-language NLP and speech: isiZulu and other African-language text, speech recognition and synthesis, translation, code-switching, dialect variation and culturally grounded evaluation; Low-resource and multilingual machine learning: transfer, self-supervised, few-shot, active and multimodal learning under limited labelled data and compute; Language and knowledge intelligence: knowledge graphs, information retrieval, foundation-model adaptation, multimodal archives and community- or institutionally grounded knowledge systems; Benchmark and corpus leadership: ethically governed datasets, transparent annotation protocols, benchmark tasks and reproducible evaluation for African languages.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Attract competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute's Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

●       A record of building interdisciplinary research platforms, laboratories, datasets or research software with sustainable governance.

●       The candidate's qualifications, publications, supervision record and current research programme must demonstrate substantive alignment with the advertised specialisation; incidental use of data analysis or generic AI tools will not, on its own, constitute sufficient alignment.

●       Provide intellectual leadership for the Institute's African-language AI portfolio and help establish the KwaZulu-Natal Data and Language Commons.

●       Build sustained collaboration with language scholars, communities, public institutions and technology partners so that datasets and systems reflect linguistic meaning, consent, provenance and benefit.

●       Lead internationally competitive grants and postgraduate programmes that generate both fundamental methodological advances and practical language technologies.

Position 2

Professor: Trustworthy AI Assurance, Robustness, Privacy and Security

Theme 2: Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI

Reference Number: 30002784

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Professor will establish and lead a focused research programme in Trustworthy AI assurance, robustness, privacy and security. The appointee will work within Theme 2: Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in either Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science/Statistics, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Applied Mathematics, Electrical/Electronic or Computer or Information Engineering or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership with demonstrated leadership in trustworthy AI assurance, robustness, privacy and security.

●       Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (i.e. grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

AI assurance and evaluation: model validation, calibration, uncertainty, subgroup performance, auditability and lifecycle evidence; Robustness, safety and security: distribution shift, adversarial machine learning, red-teaming, secure MLOps, model misuse and incident learning; Privacy-enhancing AI: federated learning, differential privacy, synthetic data, secure computation, de-identification and disclosure-risk assessment; Responsible generative and agentic AI: methods for mitigation of hallucination, deepfakes and institutional risks, control, provenance, copyright protection and responsible AI assurance metrics.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Attract competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute's Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

●       A record of building interdisciplinary research platforms, laboratories, datasets or research software with sustainable governance.

●       The candidate's qualifications, publications, supervision record and current research programme must demonstrate substantive alignment with the advertised specialisation; incidental use of data analysis or generic AI tools will not, on its own, constitute sufficient alignment.

●       Provide intellectual leadership for the DUT Responsible AI Assurance Lab and develop rigorous, field-tested assurance methods.

●       Establish evaluation protocols that integrate technical, ethical, legal, social and environmental criteria without reducing responsible AI to compliance paperwork.

●       Lead major partnerships and grants in trustworthy AI, cybersecurity, privacy and high-risk AI evaluation, including independent or comparative studies.

Position 3

Associate Professor: African Data Engineering, Governance and Privacy-Preserving Data Science

Theme 1: African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence

Reference Number: 30002785

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Associate Professor will establish and lead a focused research programme in African data engineering, governance and privacy-preserving data science. The appointee will work within Theme 1: African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Data Science, Computer Science, Informatics, Information Systems, Computer or Information or Communication Engineering, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership with demonstrated leadership in African data engineering, governance and privacy-preserving data science.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (i.e. grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations

Theme-specific expertise

Data quality and interoperability: provenance, metadata, standards, entity resolution, linkage, missingness, representativeness and reproducible pipelines; African data governance and sovereignty: lawful basis, custodianship, consent, benefit sharing, access tiers, licensing and cross-border data stewardship; Privacy-preserving analytics: federated analysis, synthetic data, de-identification, secure research environments and disclosure-risk measurement; Multimodal and geospatial data assets: documents, images, audio, sensors and spatial data with transparent documentation and meaningful domain annotation.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Attract competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute's Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or demonstrable trajectory towards recognised research standing.

●       Experience leading a work package, laboratory, research group or multi-partner project.

●       Evidence of research translation into datasets, software, policy, standards, professional practice, public value or responsible commercialisation.

●       Co-lead the KwaZulu-Natal Data and Language Commons, focusing on research-grade data architecture, stewardship and access.

●       Develop methods for usable, representative and responsibly governed data under fragmented records, limited infrastructure and unequal digital access.

●       Support Institute-wide data standards, reproducibility, secure research workspaces and postgraduate training in data engineering and governance.

Position 4

Associate Professor: AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure, Climate, Water and Energy

Theme 3: AI for Sustainable Systems and Public Value

Reference Number: 30002786

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Associate Professor will establish and lead a focused research programme in AI for sustainable cities, infrastructure, climate, water and energy. The appointee will work within Theme 3: AI For Sustainable Systems and Public Value and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in either Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Civil or Electrical/Electronic or Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Geomatics, Environmental Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership in AI for sustainable cities, infrastructure, climate, water and energy.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (i.e. grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Smart and resilient systems: IoT, edge AI, digital twins, geospatial intelligence and low-connectivity reference architectures; Infrastructure and mobility: predictive maintenance, transport, ports, logistics, asset management and service-delivery analytics; Climate, water and energy intelligence: earth observation, forecasting, anomaly detection, optimisation, early warning and resource stewardship; Implementation and public value: baseline design, adoption, workflow, lifecycle cost, equity, unintended effects and accountable transfer to operational owners.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Attract competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or demonstrable trajectory towards recognised research standing.

●       Experience leading a work package, laboratory, research group or multi-partner project.

●       Evidence of research translation into datasets, software, policy, standards, professional practice, public value or responsible commercialisation.

●       Build interdisciplinary programmes with the Urban Planning and Smart Cities Institute, Water and Wastewater Technology Institute, engineering and applied-science disciplines, municipalities and industry.

●       Lead transferable methodological research rather than isolated application prototypes, with robust comparison designs and measurable outcomes.

●       Develop demonstrators suitable for the KZN AI for Public Value Living Lab and attract funding for resilient infrastructure and sustainable-systems research.

Position 5

Senior Lecturer: Human-Centred, Explainable and Fair Artificial Intelligence

Theme 2: Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI

Reference Number: 30002787

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Senior Lecturer will establish and lead a focused research programme in Human-centred, explainable and fair AI. The appointee will work within Theme 2: Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Law and Technology, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A record of research and/or academic leadership in human-centred, explainable and fair AI.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of participation in grants writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Human--AI interaction: automation bias, cognitive workload, accessibility, trust calibration, meaningful oversight and contestability; Explainability and uncertainty communication: interpretable models, counterfactuals, causal explanation and communication to technical and non-technical users; Fairness and distributional impact: bias measurement, intersectional evaluation, mitigation trade-offs and the effects of AI on differently situated groups; Participatory and responsible design: co-design with affected users, AI impact assessment, model documentation and comparative human-only, AI-assisted and automated decision studies.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Contribute to the attraction of competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Co-supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Evidence of participation in funded interdisciplinary research or applied research partnerships.

●       Experience producing reusable datasets, research software, evaluation tools, prototypes, policy or practice outputs.

●       A clear plan for developing an externally funded research and postgraduate-supervision portfolio within the Institute.

●       Develop an empirical human-centred AI programme linking technical evaluation with user experience, rights and institutional accountability.

●       Contribute evaluation tools and protocols to the DUT Responsible AI Assurance Lab.

●       Co-lead postgraduate and partner studies in high-stakes settings while ensuring that affected people can understand, question and contest AI-supported decisions.

Position 6

Senior Lecturer: AI for Health, Education, Public Services and Inclusive Productivity

Theme 3: AI for Sustainable Systems and Public Value

Reference Number: 30002788

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban University of Technology; multi-campus and partner-facing responsibilities as required

Position purpose

The Senior Lecturer will establish and lead a focused research programme in AI for health, education, public services and inclusive productivity. The appointee will work within Theme 3: AI for Sustainable Systems and Public Value and collaborate across the Institute's data, responsible-AI and public-value platforms. The post requires disciplinary depth, interdisciplinary judgement and an ability to produce research that is scientifically rigorous, contextually valid and responsibly translated.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Data Science/Statistics, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Health Informatics, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, Information Systems, Educational Technology, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A Record of research and/or academic leadership in AI for health, education, public services and inclusive productivity.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of participation in grants writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Health and care analytics: risk modelling, imaging, operations, population health and accountable decision support with clinical and health-device partners; Education and learning analytics: student support and AI-enabled education with explicit limits on surveillance and automated judgement; Public-sector analytics: planning, resource allocation, service responsiveness and fraud or risk detection with transparency and appeal mechanisms; Inclusive productivity: manufacturing, supply chains, SMMEs, informal economies and worker-centred augmentation, with implementation and equity evidence.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and sustain an internationally visible programme of research aligned to the assigned Institute theme and the Institute's five-year research agenda.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, research software, datasets, methods, policy contributions and/or responsible innovation outputs, as appropriate to the field.

●       Contribute to the attraction of competitive external research funding and develop accountable partnerships with African and international universities, government, industry, civil society and communities.

●       Co-supervise and develop Master's and Doctoral candidates and mentor emerging researchers.

●       Contribute to interdisciplinary research methods training, postgraduate seminars and selected teaching or curriculum development in relevant DUT academic programmes, as agreed with the Institute Director and participating faculties.

●       Apply rigorous research ethics, privacy, security, data governance, reproducibility, model documentation and responsible-AI requirements throughout the research lifecycle.

●       Participate in Institute planning, project stage gates, peer review, reporting, community or industry engagement, and the translation of validated research into public, policy, professional or commercial value.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Evidence of participation in funded interdisciplinary research or applied research partnerships.

●       Experience in contributing to reusable datasets, research software, evaluation tools, prototypes, policy or practice outputs.

●       A clear plan for developing an externally funded research and postgraduate-supervision portfolio within the Institute.

●       Develop co-led applied research programmes with relevant DUT faculties and institutes, government, communities and industry partners.

●       Design prospective validation and implementation studies that distinguish model accuracy from adoption, outcomes and public value.

●       Contribute programmes to the KZN AI for Public Value Living Lab and build a strong postgraduate and funded-research pipeline.

Application Information applies to all six positions:

Application requirements

●       A fully completed prescribed DUT application-for-employment form obtainable from www.dut.ac.za under Quick Links / Careers.

●       A detailed curriculum vitae that explicitly demonstrates alignment with the relevant position, priority theme and technical specialisation.

●       A covering letter identifying the exact position title and reference number for which the applicant is applying.

●       Copies of relevant academic records and qualification certificates, including SAQA evaluation where applicable.

●       A copy of the applicant's identity document or passport and current contact information for referees.

●       For Professor and Associate Professor positions, a concise research profile indicating DHET-accredited outputs over the preceding three years, citation or other appropriate evidence of quality, completed postgraduate supervisions, grant awards and leadership contributions.

Salary: Market related, in accordance with the applicable DUT remuneration framework

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Application email / portal: DUT Careers Portal

Please note

While DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment to any of the advertised positions.

Correspondence will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only. Applicants who do not receive communication from the University should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to appropriate background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks and criminal-record screening. The University may require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the position.

Applicants may be assessed against the full DUT criteria applicable to appointment at Professor, Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer level. Meeting the stated minimum requirements does not guarantee shortlisting.

Where a professional registration is legally or professionally required for a candidate's claimed field of practice, proof of current registration must be supplied.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - HEALTH DEVICE INNOVATION

Durban University of Technology

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 02 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Business Unit: Research Institute

Minimum experience: Not Applicable

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Education

Job Description

DUT HEALTH DEVICES INNOVATION INSTITUTE

SIX PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITIONS

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

DUT HEALTH DEVICES INNOVATION INSTITUTE

(2 × Professors / 2 × Associate Professors / 2 × Senior Lecturers)

With more than 34 400 students and approximately 1 700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT's Philosophy of Education, "Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society" reflects the institution's deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT's DNA of being 'people-centred and engaged' and 'innovative and entrepreneurial' and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on 'contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods'.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties: Accounting and Informatics; Applied Science; Arts and Design; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; and Management Sciences. DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes. Over the years, the University has substantially grown its research output, evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment — Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

About the Institute

The DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute (HDII) is being established as an African platform for context-appropriate MedTech translation. It will connect health sciences, engineering, design, data science, manufacturing and entrepreneurship to turn priority health needs into safe, usable, affordable, manufacturable and adoptable devices. Applications are invited from scholars who can build internationally credible research while responding to the realities of KwaZulu-Natal and other resource-constrained health systems.

The Institute research agenda

The six appointments are deliberately distributed across three priority themes:

●       Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Essential Clinical Devices

●       Assistive, Rehabilitation and Connected Care Technologies

●       MedTech Translation, Local Manufacturing and Health-System Adoption

Common institutional expectations

All appointees must hold a relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in biomedical, mechanical, electronic, electrical, computer, chemical, materials or industrial engineering; medical/health sciences; rehabilitation sciences; data science; health economics; regulatory science; implementation science; or another field directly aligned to the advertised specialisation.

Candidates must demonstrate an interdisciplinary research identity, an ability to work with clinical and community partners, and a commitment to safety, ethics, responsible data use, quality by design and equitable access.

The posts are research-intensive academic appointments. Appointees will publish, attract funding, supervise postgraduate candidates, mentor emerging researchers, contribute to appropriate teaching and curriculum activities, and undertake engagement and innovation consistent with their rank.

Professional registration with the relevant statutory or professional body is required where the candidate's discipline or proposed scope of practice legally requires it. Clinical responsibility remains with appropriately registered health professionals and authorised partner institutions.

Position 1

Professor: Biosensors, Microfluidics, In-Vitro Diagnostics and Clinical Validation

Theme 1: Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Essential Clinical Devices

Reference Number: 30002774

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Biosensors, microfluidics, in-vitro diagnostics and clinical validation

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Electrical Engineering, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in the relevant scholarly field.

●       A substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years, relevant to the field.

●       Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       A sustained record of high-quality, cited research; competitive grant awards; international recognition; and leadership of substantial interdisciplinary programmes.

●       Evidence of excellent teaching, postgraduate mentorship, curriculum contribution and academic citizenship appropriate to appointment at Full Professor level .

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

Research Leadership

●       Lead an internationally credible portfolio of affordable point-of-care and near-patient diagnostic technologies for priority infectious, maternal-child and non-communicable conditions.

●       Develop, lead and grow a high-quality, externally funded research programme encompassing biosensors, microfluidics, imaging systems and essential clinical monitoring devices.

●       Develop research on analytical performance, clinical validity, real-world performance, calibration, consumables, shelf life and sample pathways.

●       Establish co-led clinical-validation programmes with authorised health-service partners and appropriate biostatistical support.

●       Lead analytical performance verification, clinical validation, usability and real-world evidence generation for device prototypes.

●       Generate peer-reviewed outputs, protectable intellectual property where appropriate, translational evidence and standards or policy contributions.

●       Ensure all research proceeds through proportionate ethics, risk, regulatory and clinical evidence pathways in accordance with SAHPRA and applicable standards.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Build competitive multi-partner grants, laboratories/platforms and postgraduate cohorts linking engineering, clinical science, data and implementation.

●       Supervise doctoral and master's students across Theme 1 research streams, with a commitment to timely completions.

●       Mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows and research associates within the Institute.

Partnership and Funding

●       Establish and maintain formal clinical, community and industry partnerships for needs identification, co-design and clinical evaluation.

●       Lead or co-lead grant applications, contracted research and philanthropic funding proposals to sustain and grow the research programme.

●       Represent the Institute in relevant national and international professional forums, standards bodies and policy engagements.

Governance and Compliance

●       Implement the Institute's stage-gate governance framework for all Theme 1 projects, including ethics approvals, design controls, risk registers and documentation standards.

●       Report on Theme 1 performance against agreed targets to the Institute Director and relevant governance structures.

●       Maintain audit readiness and contribute to quality assurance across the Institute's research portfolio.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or demonstrated equivalent international standing through publications, citations and scholarly recognition is strongly advantageous.

Position 2

Senior Lecturer: Essential Monitoring, Maternal-Neonatal Devices and Human Factors

Theme 1: Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Essential Clinical Devices

Reference Number: 30002778

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Essential monitoring, maternal-neonatal devices and human factors

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Electrical Engineering, Clinical Laboratory Science or a closely related field.

●       A developing record of research and/or academic leadership in the relevant scholarly field.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       At least three DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years.

●       Evidence of participation in supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of excellent teaching, innovative assessment or curriculum practice, effective academic advising and a developing independent research programme.

●       Evidence of participation in grants writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

●       Evidence of participation in grants writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

Research

●       Design and evaluate essential monitoring, triage, medication-support or maternal-neonatal devices for constrained care environments.

●       Conduct human-factors, usability, workflow, language, training and referral-integration studies with users and clinicians.

●       Develop traceable device requirements, verification protocols and research documentation from concept stage.

●       Contribute to Theme 1 research in essential monitoring devices or related streams under the leadership of the Theme 1 Professor.

●       Participate in the KZN Frontline Diagnostics and Essential Devices Platform, contributing to analytical verification, usability evaluation and clinical evidence generation.

●       Maintain compliance with Institute ethics, risk and design-control requirements in all research activities.

●       Pursue external research funding through grants, fellowships and contracted research.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Co-supervise and progressively lead master's-level research projects within Theme 1.

●       Publish research, supervise postgraduate candidates and contribute to interdisciplinary teaching and methods development.

●       Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in biomedical engineering, diagnostic science or related disciplines in collaboration with DUT faculties.

●       Support and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers within the Institute.

Partnership and Engagement

●       Support prototype testing, field studies, grant proposals and innovation or knowledge-transfer activities.

●       Participate in clinical and community needs-identification activities and formal co-design workshops with health-service and industry partners.

●       Contribute to grant applications, technical reports and deliverables for funded projects within Theme 1.

●       Engage with professional bodies and participate in relevant seminars, workshops and community engagement activities.

Administration and Governance

●       Contribute to Institute governance activities, including stage-gate documentation, ethics submissions and project reporting.

●       Participate in performance review processes and Institute quality-assurance activities as required.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Experience in biomedical instrumentation, physiological signal acquisition or maternal-neonatal technology is advantageous.

●       Evidence of participatory design or clinical usability research is advantageous.

Position 3

Professor: Biomechanics, Prosthetics/orthotics, Rehabilitation Engineering and Co-Design

Theme 2: Assistive, Rehabilitation and Connected Care Technologies

Reference Number: 30002775

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Biomechanics, prosthetics/orthotics, rehabilitation engineering and co-design

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Biomedical Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Human Factors Engineering, Biomechanics or a closely related field.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in the relevant scholarly field.

●       A substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years, relevant to the field.

●       Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       A sustained record of high-quality, cited research; competitive grant awards; international recognition; and leadership of substantial interdisciplinary programmes or teams in assistive technologies, rehabilitation devices or rehabilitation engineering.

●       Evidence of excellent teaching, postgraduate mentorship, curriculum contribution and academic citizenship appropriate to appointment at Full Professor level.

●       Evidence of inclusive, human-centred co-design methodology and user-centred device evaluation.

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

Research Leadership

●       Lead research on affordable, customisable and repairable assistive and rehabilitation technologies.

●       Develop and lead a high-quality research programme covering prosthetics, orthotics, mobility aids, rehabilitation devices, telerehabilitation, wearable sensors and remote monitoring.

●       Establish and direct a living-lab model linking users, caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, engineers, designers and community organisations.

●       Champion inclusive, human-centred and participatory co-design throughout the device lifecycle, ensuring technologies are usable, repairable and affordable in local settings.

●       Advance evidence on fit, comfort, function, adherence, durability, repairability and total cost of ownership.

●       Drive peer-reviewed outputs, inclusive usability protocols, datasets and intellectual property in the area of assistive and rehabilitation technology.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Lead high-value grants, international collaborations, postgraduate supervision and researcher development.

●       Supervise doctoral and master's students across Theme 2 research streams with a commitment to timely completions.

●       Mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows and research associates within the Institute.

Partnership and Funding

●       Translate research into validated technologies, open or commercial pathways, clinical guidance and measurable community benefit.

●       Build and manage formal partnerships with rehabilitation services, disability organizations, community health networks, fabrication partners and technology companies.

●       Lead or co-lead competitive grant applications, contracted research and commissioned projects to sustain and grow Theme 2.

●       Represent the Institute in relevant national and international professional bodies, standards processes and policy forums on assistive technology.

Governance and Compliance

●       Implement the Institute's stage-gate framework for Theme 2 projects, including ethics, design controls, risk management and documentation standards.

●       Maintain repairability, durability and total-cost-of-ownership benchmarks across Theme 2 device programmes.

●       Report on Theme 2 performance and contribute to Institute-wide quality assurance and audit readiness.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or demonstrated equivalent international standing is strongly advantageous.

●       Experience with digital fabrication, device personalisation or real-world rehabilitation trials is advantageous.

Position 4

Associate Professor: Wearables, Remote Monitoring, Digital Health, AI and Cybersecurity

Theme 2: Assistive, Rehabilitation and Connected Care Technologies

Reference Number: 30002776

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Wearables, remote monitoring, digital health, AI and cybersecurity

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Data Science, Health Informatics or a closely related field.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated engagement in the relevant scholarly field.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with demonstrable expertise in wearable sensors, physiological signal processing, remote monitoring, digital health or health AI.

●       A minimum of seven DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of research quality through appropriate bibliometrics, grant awards, academic leadership, very good teaching and meaningful disciplinary or community engagement.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

Research

●       Develop and validate wearables and remote-monitoring technologies for chronic disease, recovery, rehabilitation, maternal care or community health.

●       Research signal quality, clinically meaningful alerts, algorithm performance, bias, interoperability, secure updates, privacy and responsible decision support.

●       Co-design field studies that test acceptability, workflow fit, adherence and continuity of care across facility, community and home settings.

●       Attract research funding, publish high-quality peer-reviewed outputs and contribute to intellectual property and translational evidence generation.

●       Contribute to institute-wide data governance, cybersecurity and connected-device evaluation frameworks.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Supervise and progressively lead doctoral and master's-level research projects within Theme 2.

●       Mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows and research associates within the Institute.

Partnership and Funding

●       Build partnerships with clinical, technology, community and industry stakeholders for connected-care research.

●       Lead or co-lead competitive grant applications and contracted research to sustain and grow the connected care programme.

●       Participate in relevant professional forums and standards processes relating to digital health and medical device interoperability.

Governance and Compliance

●       Implement Institute stage-gate governance for connected-care projects, including ethics approvals, privacy impact assessments and design-control documentation.

●       Report on research performance and contribute to quality assurance and audit readiness across the Institute.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Working knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI in health contexts is advantageous.

●       Experience validating algorithms or sensors against appropriate clinical reference standards is advantageous.

●       Evidence of multidisciplinary digital-health or connected-device research is advantageous.

Position 5

Associate Professor: Regulatory Science, Quality Systems, HTA and Implementation

Theme 3: MedTech Translation, Local Manufacturing and Health-System Adoption

Reference Number: 30002777

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Regulatory science, quality systems, HTA and implementation

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Regulatory Science, Quality Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Health Technology Assessment, Health Economics, Implementation Science or a closely related field.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated engagement in the relevant scholarly field.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with demonstrable expertise in medical device regulation, quality management, health-technology assessment or implementation science.

●       A minimum of seven DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of research quality through appropriate bibliometrics, grant awards, academic leadership, very good teaching and meaningful disciplinary or community engagement.

Key responsibilities

Research

●       Lead research on device classification, intended use, design controls, risk management, technical documentation and regulatory-readiness pathways.

●       Develop health-technology assessments addressing clinical benefit, cost-effectiveness, budget impact, ethics, equity and comparative value.

●       Study procurement, workflow integration, training, change management, maintenance, adoption, scale-up and post-market learning.

●       Develop reusable readiness assessments, stage-gate templates and evidence frameworks for Institute programmes.

●       Publish high-quality peer-reviewed outputs, attract research funding and supervise postgraduate research.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Supervise and progressively lead doctoral and master's-level research projects within Theme 3.

●       Contribute to postgraduate teaching in regulatory science, health economics, implementation science or quality engineering within DUT faculties.

●       Mentor junior researchers and postdoctoral fellows within the Institute.

Partnership and Funding

●       Engage regulators, health services, standards bodies, industry and policy actors to support translation and adoption research without compromising independent decision-making.

●       Lead or co-lead competitive grant applications, contracted research and commissioned projects focused on MedTech translation and localisation.

●       Represent the Institute in national regulatory dialogue, standards development and health-system policy forums.

Governance and Compliance

●       Implement Institute stage-gate governance for Theme 3 projects, including design-control documentation, risk management and regulatory strategy.

●       Maintain technology-readiness and regulatory-readiness assessment tools for use across all Institute programmes.

●       Contribute to Institute-wide governance, quality assurance and audit readiness.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Working knowledge of South African and/or international medical device regulatory frameworks (SAHPRA, ISO 13485, ISO 14971 or equivalent) is advantageous.

●       Demonstrated HTA, health-economics or implementation-research capability is advantageous.

●       Experience supporting a device through regulatory, procurement or health-system adoption processes is advantageous.

Position 6

Senior Lecturer: Design for Manufacture, Local Production and Lifecycle Engineering

Theme 3: MedTech Translation, Local Manufacturing and Health-System Adoption

Reference Number: 30002779

Status of Position: Permanent

Reporting Line: Director: DUT Health Devices Innovation Institute

Theme-specific expertise

Design for manufacture, local production and lifecycle engineering

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Electronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field.

●       A developing record of research and/or academic leadership in the relevant scholarly field.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       At least three DHET-accredited research outputs or recognised creative/innovation outputs during the preceding three years.

●       Evidence of participation in supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of excellent teaching, innovative assessment or curriculum practice, effective academic advising and a developing independent research programme.

●       Working knowledge of design-for-manufacture principles, quality-controlled manufacturing or regulated product development.

Key responsibilities

Research

●       Conduct design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly research for medical and assistive devices.

●       Map and evaluate local materials, tooling, electronics, testing, calibration, packaging, sterilisation, supplier and service capabilities.

●       Develop evidence on reliability, maintainability, calibration, repair, software/firmware updates, waste and circularity.

●       Support stage-gated demonstrator programmes from prototype verification to manufacturing transfer and field support.

●       Participate in the KZN MedTech Translation and Adoption Accelerator, supporting supplier mapping, stage-gated demonstrator programmes and manufacturing transfer.

●       Pursue external funding through grants, industry contracts and collaborative research opportunities.

Postgraduate Supervision and Teaching

●       Co-supervise and progressively lead master's-level research projects within Theme 3.

●       Publish research, supervise postgraduate candidates, contribute to teaching, build industry partnerships and support grant and innovation proposals.

●       Support and mentor postgraduate students and junior researchers within the Institute.

Partnership and Engagement

●       Engage with manufacturing companies, SMEs, technology stations, procurement agencies and health-system partners to support translation and local production research.

●       Contribute to grant applications, commissioned research proposals and project deliverables within Theme 3.

●       Participate in professional forums, policy engagements and community-of-practice activities relevant to MedTech manufacturing.

Administration and Governance

●       Contribute to Institute stage-gate documentation, design-control records, ethics submissions and project reporting.

●       Participate in performance review processes, technology-readiness assessment activities and Institute quality-assurance systems as required.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Experience in regulated product development or quality-controlled manufacturing is advantageous.

●       Knowledge of supplier qualification, verification testing, reliability or production economics is advantageous.

Application Information applies to all six positions:

Application requirements

●       A fully completed prescribed DUT application-for-employment form obtainable from www.dut.ac.za under QUICK LINKS — Careers.

●       A detailed curriculum vitae explicitly addressing the relevant field, rank requirements and thematic focus.

●       A covering letter.

●       Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates.

●       A copy of an identity document and Matric certificate.

●       Current contact information for referees.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Application email / portal: DUT Careers Portal

Please note

While DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a position.

Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks and criminal-record screening. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the position.

Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a South African Qualifications Authority evaluation where required.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - URBAN PLANNING AND SMART CITIES

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 02 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Business Unit: Research Institute

Minimum experience: Not Applicable

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Education

Job Description

URBAN PLANNING AND SMART CITIES INSTITUTE

SIX PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITIONS

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

DUT URBAN PLANNING AND SMART CITIES INSTITUTE

(2 × Professors / 2 × Associate Professors / 2 × Senior Lecturers)

With more than 34 400 students and approximately 1 700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology located in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on South Africa's east coast. Founded in April 2002 through the merger of ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots extending to 1907.

DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. Its Philosophy of Education “Our creativity and innovation shape adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects a commitment to meaningful impact. Guided by ENVISION2030, DUT's DNA is people-centred and engaged, and innovative and entrepreneurial, with an institutional focus on improving lives and livelihoods.

The University invites applications from accomplished and emerging scholars who can build transdisciplinary research programmes, develop postgraduate researchers, form municipal, community, government and industry partnerships, and translate rigorous research into inclusive, climate-resilient, data-informed and implementable solutions for rapidly urbanising African cities.

About the Institute

The DUT Urban Planning and Smart Cities Institute (UPSI) brings together urban and regional planning, engineering, environmental science, data science and design to address the compound challenges facing rapidly urbanising African cities.

The Institute research agenda

The six appointments are deliberately distributed across three complementary themes. Candidates must identify the relevant position title and reference number in their application.

●       Urban Planning and Governance: Climate Risk Science and Resilient Settlement Systems

●       Infrastructure Reliability Engineering and Systems Intelligence

●       Port-City Mobility Systems and Freight-Logistics Science

Shared expectations for all six appointments

●       Establish and sustain a coherent programme of high-quality research within the allocated theme, with measurable scientific, policy, societal, environmental and economic value.

●       Publish in reputable DHET-accredited and internationally recognised outlets and pursue competitive national and international research funding.

●       Supervise master's and doctoral candidates to completion; mentor postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers; and contribute to a strong research culture across disciplines.

●       Develop active partnerships with stakeholders, including communities, regulators, industry, government, funders and other academic institutions, while protecting academic independence.

●       Advance projects through appropriate ethics, data governance, community consent, quality assurance, risk management and implementation pathways.

●       Attract substantial external funding and develop sustainable research portfolios and partnerships.

●       Translate research into living laboratories, observatories, demonstrators, planning tools, standards, policy, investment decisions, protected intellectual property or ventures where appropriate.

●       Support good research governance, responsible data stewardship, open and reproducible science where appropriate, laboratory safety, quality assurance and audit readiness.

Position 1

Professor: Compound Climate-Risk Modelling and Equitable Adaptation Planning in Coastal Urban Settlements

Theme 1: Urban Planning and Governance: Climate Risk Science and Resilient Settlement Systems

Reference Number: 30002791

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will provide intellectual leadership on climate risk, spatial inequality and settlement transformation. The programme should integrate urban and regional planning, multi-hazard risk assessment, climate adaptation, infrastructure access, participatory governance, and spatial justice, with Durban and comparable African coastal cities serving as living laboratories.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in urban or regional planning, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership with a distinguished record of research leadership in climate risk, urban and regional planning, settlement transformation, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, spatial justice, or closely related fields.

●       Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of a substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Provide intellectual and strategic leadership in the development and delivery of a world-class research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Drive research excellence through the production of high-impact publications, innovations and other scholarly outputs.

●       Attract substantial external funding and develop sustainable research portfolios and partnerships.

●       Lead postgraduate education through supervision, mentorship and research capacity development.

●       Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and build strong networks across government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Advance the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and measurable societal impact.

●       Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of research, funding, innovation, and engagement outcomes in line with the Institute's and University's performance indicators.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Proven experience in collaborating with municipalities, disaster-management agencies, communities and international partners to address climate risk, spatial inequality and settlement-resilience challenges.

●       Experience in leading multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research programmes addressing complex urban challenges.

●       NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

Position 2

Professor: Reliability Engineering and Interdependency Modelling of Urban Infrastructure Networks

Theme 2: Infrastructure Reliability Engineering and Systems Intelligence

Reference Number: 30002792

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will lead research on the reliability, equity, and climate resilience of interdependent urban systems, including water, sanitation, stormwater, roads, energy, and digital infrastructure. The programme must connect engineering evidence to lifecycle investment, municipal governance, service continuity and accountable decision-making.

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Urban Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Systems Engineering, Construction Management, Urban and Regional Planning (with a strong infrastructure focus), or a closely related discipline.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership with a distinguished record of research leadership in the planning, governance, resilience and management of interdependent urban infrastructure systems, including water, sanitation, transport, energy or digital infrastructure.

●       Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of a substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Provide intellectual and strategic leadership in the development and delivery of a world-class research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Drive research excellence through the production of high-impact publications, innovations and other scholarly outputs.

●       Attract substantial external funding and develop sustainable research portfolios and partnerships.

●       Lead postgraduate education through supervision, mentorship and research capacity development.

●       Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and build strong networks across government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Advance the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and measurable societal impact.

●       Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of research, funding, innovation, and engagement outcomes in line with the Institute's and University's performance indicators.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Proven experience in collaborating with municipalities, utilities, government departments, regulators, industry and other stakeholders to address infrastructure planning, service delivery, governance and resilience challenges.

●       Experience in leading multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research programmes addressing complex urban challenges.

●       NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

Position 3

Associate Professor: Nature-Based Engineering and Resilience Modelling for Climate-Adaptive Settlement Systems

Theme 1: Urban Planning and Governance: Climate Risk Science and Resilient Settlement Systems

Reference Number: 30002793

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will develop applied research on community-centred settlement upgrading and nature-based urban protection. The focus includes flood, landslide, and heat risks; drainage and safe access; wetlands and river corridors; locally maintainable interventions; early warning; co-design; and evaluation of liveability, health, and displacement outcomes.

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering, Urban Engineering, Ecological Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership with demonstrated leadership in nature-based engineering and resilience modelling for climate-adaptive settlement systems, including climate adaptation, ecosystem-based approaches, sustainable infrastructure, and urban resilience.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience of academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations

Key responsibilities

●       Provide academic and research leadership in the development and implementation of a high-quality research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Contribute to research excellence through the production of high-impact publications, innovations and other scholarly outputs.

●       Secure competitive external research funding and contribute to the growth of sustainable research partnerships and programmes.

●       Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers, contributing to research capacity development.

●       Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and build productive partnerships across government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Contribute to the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and measurable societal impact.

●       Support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of research, funding, innovation and engagement activities in accordance with Institute and University performance objectives.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Proven experience collaborating with municipalities, communities, disaster-management agencies and ecological or engineering practitioners to implement nature-based and settlement-upgrading interventions.

●       NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

Position 4

Associate Professor: Freight-Network Flow Modelling and Port-City Spatial-Economic Systems

Theme 3: Port-City Mobility Systems and Freight-Logistics Science

Reference Number: 30002794

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will develop applied research on the port-city as an integrated spatial-economic and network-flow system. The programme should combine land-use and economic-geography modelling of port expansion and buffer zones with network-flow and queueing models of truck staging, terminal access and rail-road-port integration, testing disruption-propagation and supply-chain resilience against measured freight-logistics and accessibility outcomes in the Durban port-city corridor.

Minimum requirements

●       A relevant doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Transport Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Urban and Regional Planning, Economic Geography, Transport Economics, Data Science, or a closely related discipline.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership with demonstrated leadership in freight logistics, transport systems, port-city systems, network modelling, supply chain resilience, or related fields.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations

Key responsibilities

●       Provide academic and research leadership in the development and implementation of a high-quality research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Contribute to research excellence through the production of high-impact publications, innovations and other scholarly outputs.

●       Secure competitive external research funding and contribute to the growth of sustainable research partnerships and programmes.

●       Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers, contributing to research capacity development.

●       Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and build productive partnerships across government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Contribute to the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and measurable societal impact.

●       Support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of research, funding, innovation and engagement activities in accordance with Institute and University performance objectives.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Experience working with port authorities, freight-industry data or supply-chain partners, and evidence of applied models, demonstrators, policy uptake or industry-funded research.

●       NRF rating or equivalent recognised international research standing.

Position 5

Senior Lecturer: Predictive Analytics for Infrastructure Asset Deterioration and Risk-Based Maintenance Prioritisation

Theme 2: Infrastructure Reliability Engineering and Systems Intelligence

Reference Number: 30002795

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will build applied research in asset condition, predictive maintenance and evidence-based infrastructure prioritisation. The work should combine inspection, remote observation, sensing, geospatial data, and deterioration models with failure consequences, climate exposure, service equity, lifecycle costs, and municipal decision processes.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Civil Engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Asset Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Geomatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research, Infrastructure Management, or a closely related discipline.

●       A record of research and/or academic leadership with demonstrated expertise in infrastructure asset management, predictive analytics, condition assessment, infrastructure deterioration modelling, reliability engineering, or risk-based maintenance planning.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in the supervision of Master's students and a developing track record in postgraduate supervision.

●       Evidence of participation in research grant applications, funded projects, or commissioned research.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary research teams and collaborations involving municipalities, government, industry, or academic partners. > Additional recommendations

●       Experience working with municipal or utility asset registers, infrastructure-monitoring systems or decision-support platforms, and evidence of applied tools, innovation outputs or industry/municipal-funded research.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and deliver a research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Produce high-quality research and innovation outputs and pursue competitive research funding.

●       Supervise postgraduate students and contribute to research capacity development.

●       Build collaborative partnerships with government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Contribute to the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and societal impact.

●       Participate in multidisciplinary and cross-theme research initiatives.

●       Report on research, postgraduate, funding, innovation and engagement outcomes against agreed targets.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Experience working with municipal or utility asset registers, infrastructure-monitoring systems or decision-support platforms, and evidence of applied tools, innovation outputs or industry/municipal-funded research.

Position 6

Senior Lecturer: Accessibility Modelling and Equity Analytics in Public and Paratransit Mobility Systems

Theme 3: Port-City Mobility Systems and Freight-Logistics Science

Reference Number: 30002796

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Theme-specific expertise

The appointee will develop research on equitable passenger mobility, public and paratransit integration, universal access and mobility poverty. The programme should analyse the time, income, safety and accessibility costs of travel and test practical improvements in interchange design, operations, campus-to-city mobility and low-carbon movement.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Transport Planning, Transport Engineering, Civil Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Development Studies, Operations Research, Data Science, Economics, or a closely related discipline.

●       A developing record of research and/or academic leadership with expertise in passenger mobility, public transport systems, paratransit systems, accessibility analysis, transport equity, mobility poverty, or related fields.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in the supervision of Master's students and a developing track record in postgraduate supervision.

●       Evidence of participation in research grant applications, funded projects, or commissioned research.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary research teams and collaborations involving municipalities, government, industry, or academic partners. > Additional recommendations

●       Experience working with municipalities, public transport authorities or transport-equity data, and evidence of applied tools, policy influence or industry/community-funded research.

Key responsibilities

●       Develop and deliver a research programme aligned with the Institute's thematic focus.

●       Produce high-quality research and innovation outputs and pursue competitive research funding.

●       Supervise postgraduate students and contribute to research capacity development.

●       Build collaborative partnerships with government, industry, communities and academic institutions.

●       Contribute to the translation of research into policy, practice, innovation and societal impact.

●       Participate in multidisciplinary and cross-theme research initiatives.

●       Report on research, postgraduate, funding, innovation and engagement outcomes against agreed targets.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Experience working with municipalities, public transport authorities or transport-equity data, and evidence of applied tools, policy influence or industry/community-funded research.

Application Information applies to all six positions:

Application requirements

●       A fully completed prescribed DUT application-for-employment form, obtainable from the DUT website under Quick Links Careers.

●       A detailed curriculum vitae explicitly addressing the minimum and speciality requirements of the selected post.

●       A covering letter identifying one position title and reference number. Candidates applying for more than one position should submit a separate application for each.

●       Copies of relevant academic records, qualifications and identity document, as required by the official application process.

●       Current contact information for referees.

●       A publication list for the preceding three years, evidence of completed postgraduate supervision, a bibliometric profile, a grant record and a concise research plan aligned to the advertised theme.

Salary: Market related and aligned to the applicable DUT academic scale

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Application email / portal: DUT Careers Portal

Please note

While DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a position to broaden the candidate pool.

Correspondence will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only.

Preferred candidates will be subject to relevant background checks, including qualification, publication, supervision and reference verification.

Where professional registration is legally required for the proposed scope of practice, proof of current registration must be provided.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - INDIGENOUS FOOD RESEARCH

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 02 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Business Unit: Research Institute

Minimum experience: Not Applicable

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Education

Job Description

INDIGENOUS FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IFRi)

SIX PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITIONS

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

INDIGENOUS FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IFRi)

(2 × Professors / 2 × Associate Professors / 2 × Senior Lecturers)

With more than 34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT's Philosophy of Education, "Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society" reflects the institution's deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT's DNA of being 'people-centred and engaged' and 'innovative and entrepreneurial' and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on 'contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods'.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

●       Accounting and Informatics

●       Applied Science

●       Arts & Design

●       Engineering and the Built Environment

●       Health Sciences

●       Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

About the Institute

The Durban University of Technology invites applications for six permanent academic appointments in the Indigenous Food Research Institute (IFRi): four Theme Leader posts at Professor/Associate Professor level and two Senior Lecturer posts. The appointments are distributed across IFRi's priority research themes to establish complementary senior leadership and research capacity in nutrition and food-as-medicine; indigenous crop genetic resources and agrobiodiversity; food processing, product innovation and value addition; and food systems, indigenous knowledge and policy.

IFRi is positioned as an African institute for living indigenous food systems—protecting knowledge and biodiversity while improving nutrition, climate resilience and dignified livelihoods. Appointees will work across disciplinary and faculty boundaries and in respectful partnership with communities, knowledge holders, farmers, harvesters, processors, public institutions, civil society and industry.

The Institute research agenda

The six appointments are distributed across IFRi's priority research themes to establish complementary senior leadership and research capacity:

●       Sustainable Protein Innovation from Indigenous Foods

●       Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

●       Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods

Position 1

Associate Professor: Sustainable Protein Innovation from Indigenous Foods

Theme 1: Sustainable Protein Innovation from Indigenous Foods

Reference Number: 30002802

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will lead a defined research stream on biotechnology, fermentation technology and bioprocessing for sustainable protein production and fermented products, complementing the Theme Leader agenda and extending the protein platform into biotechnological and fermentation-based protein research.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Biotechnology, Fermentation Technology, Bioprocess or Biochemical Engineering, or Microbiology, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in biotechnology, fermentation and bioprocessing research.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Lead a defined research stream within Theme 1: biotechnology, fermentation technology and bioprocessing for sustainable protein production including microbial and precision fermentation, enzyme and biocatalysis technology, complementing and advancing the Theme Leader's strategic agenda.

●       Co-develop grant, contract and commissioned-research applications and contribute to securing competitive funding for the theme.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs and supervise Doctoral and Master's students to timely completion.

●       Co-supervise and mentor early-career researchers and the Senior Lecturer, and deputise for the Theme Leader when required.

●       Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships and ensure adherence to IFRi's stage-gate governance and ethics requirements.  

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised research standing (particularly for Professor and Associate Professor appointments).

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and an ability to work across scientific and indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Experience of research ethics, or indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Evidence of international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Position 2

Professor (Theme Leader): Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Theme 2: Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Reference Number: 30002799

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will provide senior intellectual and strategic leadership in the development of processing technologies and market-ready products from indigenous foods, bridging laboratory science and industrial scale-up through the pilot processing facility and commercialization pipeline.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Food Technology, Food Processing/Engineering, or Food Science, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in indigenous-food processing, product innovation and value-addition research.

●       A substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of a substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Provide overall academic and strategic leadership for Theme 2 — Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition, setting its research direction and leading its flagship programme, the Indigenous Foods Pilot Processing and Product Innovation Plant.

●       Build, grow and sustain a high-quality, externally funded research programme, leading major grant, contract and philanthropic funding applications for the theme.

●       Drive high-impact peer-reviewed publications, postgraduate completions (Master's and Doctoral) and innovation/IP outputs across the theme.

●       Establish and lead national and international research collaborations and industry, community and policy partnerships, and represent IFRi in relevant professional and policy forums.

●       Mentor academic staff, postdoctoral fellows and students, and ensure all theme research proceeds through IFRi's stage-gate governance, ethics and quality-assurance framework.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised research standing (particularly for Professor and Associate Professor appointments).

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and an ability to work across scientific or indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Experience of research ethics, indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Evidence of international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Position 3

Associate Professor: Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Theme 2: Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Reference Number: 30002803

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will lead a defined research stream on processing-technology development and product formulation for indigenous foods, complementing the Theme Leader's agenda and advancing flagship products through spin-off pipeline.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Food Technology/Food Processing/Engineering, or Food Science, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in indigenous-food processing, product innovation and value-addition research.

●       A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Lead a defined research stream within Theme 2: processing-technology development (milling, extrusion, drying and fermentation) and the design of nutritious, convenient and shelf-stable indigenous-food products, complementing and advancing the Theme Leader's strategic agenda.

●       Co-develop grant, contract and commissioned-research applications and contribute to securing competitive funding for the theme.

●       Produce high-quality peer-reviewed outputs and supervise Doctoral and Master's students to timely completion.

●       Co-supervise and mentor early-career researchers and the Senior Lecturer, and deputise for the Theme Leader when required.

●       Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships and ensure adherence to IFRi's stage-gate governance and ethics requirements.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised research standing (particularly for Professor and Associate Professor appointments).

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and an ability to work across scientific or indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Experience of research ethics, indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Evidence of international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Position 4

Senior Lecturer: Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Theme 2: Food Processing, Product Innovation and Value Addition

Reference Number: 30002804

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will build an emerging research portfolio in indigenous-food product development, sensory and consumer science, deliver defined project tasks within the pilot processing plant, and contribute to teaching in food processing and food technology.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Food Technology, Food Science or Food Processing, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A record of research and/or academic leadership in indigenous-food product development, sensory and consumer science.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in the supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of participation in grant writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Contribute to Theme 3 research by delivering defined project tasks and building an emerging independent research portfolio in indigenous-food product development, sensory and consumer science.

●       Undertake postgraduate and undergraduate teaching and curriculum delivery within relevant DUT programmes.

●       Supervise Master's students and co-supervise Doctoral students within the theme.

●       Participate in grant writing and in the multidisciplinary collaborations led by the Theme Leader and Associate Professor.

●       Support laboratory and/or field operations, data management, and compliance with IFRi's stage-gate governance and ethics requirements.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Progress towards an NRF rating or equivalent emerging-researcher recognition.

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and a willingness to work across scientific or indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Awareness of research ethics, indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Emerging participation in international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Position 5

Professor (Theme Leader): Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods

Theme 3: Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods

Reference Number: 30002801

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will provide senior intellectual and strategic leadership in the nutritional, micronutrient and bioactive characterization of priority indigenous foods and their mechanisms of health benefit, building a "Food is Medicine" platform that translates evidence into dietary guidance and non-communicable-disease prevention with relevant organisation and NGO's.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Nutrition, or Dietetics/ Food Science or Public-Health Nutrition, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in food nutrition, bioactives or public-health-nutrition research.

●       A substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.

●       A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.

●       Evidence of a substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master's and Doctoral students.

●       Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).

●       Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Provide overall academic and strategic leadership for Theme 3 — Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods — setting its research direction and leading its flagship programme, the Indigenous Foods Nutrition and Food-as-Medicine Observatory.

●       Build, grow and sustain a high-quality, externally funded research programme, leading major grant, contract and philanthropic funding applications for the theme.

●       Drive high-impact peer-reviewed publications, postgraduate completions (Master's and Doctoral) and innovation/IP outputs across the theme.

●       Establish and lead national and international research collaborations and industry, community and policy partnerships, and represent IFRi in relevant professional and policy forums.

●       Mentor academic staff, postdoctoral fellows and students, and ensure all theme research proceeds through IFRi's stage-gate governance, ethics and quality-assurance framework.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       An NRF rating or equivalent recognised research standing (particularly for Professor and Associate Professor appointments).

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and an ability to work across scientific or indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Experience of research ethics, indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Evidence of international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Position 6

Senior Lecturer: Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods

Theme 3: Nutrition, Safety, Health and Food-as-Medicine of Indigenous Foods

Reference Number: 30002805

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will build an emerging research portfolio in food safety, nutrition and community/clinical dietary studies for non-communicable-disease prevention, deliver defined project tasks within the theme programme, and contribute to teaching in nutrition and dietetics.

Minimum requirements

●       A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Nutrition/Dietetics/Food science, or a closely related qualification to the theme.

●       A record of research and/or academic leadership in indigenous-food nutrition and community dietary studies.

●       An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.

●       A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.

●       Evidence of participation in the supervision of Master's students.

●       Evidence of participation in grant writing.

●       Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Key responsibilities

●       Contribute to Theme 2 research by delivering defined project tasks and building an emerging independent research portfolio in indigenous-food nutrition and community dietary studies.

●       Undertake postgraduate and undergraduate teaching and curriculum delivery within relevant DUT programmes.

●       Supervise Master's students and co-supervise Doctoral students within the theme.

●       Participate in grant writing and in the multidisciplinary collaborations led by the Theme Leader and Associate Professor.

●       Support laboratory and/or field operations, data management, and compliance with IFRi's stage-gate governance and ethics requirements.

Ideal / additional recommendations

●       Progress towards an NRF rating or equivalent emerging-researcher recognition.

●       Evidence of interdisciplinary, community-engaged or place-based research, and a willingness to work across scientific and indigenous knowledge systems.

●       Awareness of research ethics, indigenous knowledge governance, access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity or food-regulatory requirements relevant to the portfolio.

●       Emerging participation in international, African and/or industry, government, civil-society or community research networks.

Application Information applies to all six positions:

Application requirements

●       A fully completed prescribed DUT application-for-employment form, obtainable from www.dut.ac.za under Quick Links / Careers.

●       A detailed curriculum vitae explicitly demonstrating how the applicant meets the rank and theme-specific requirements.

●       A covering letter identifying the exact position, rank and research theme applied for.

●       Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates.

●       A copy of an identity document or passport, and current contact details for referees.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Application email / portal: DUT Careers Portal

Please note

While DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be entered into only with shortlisted candidates. Applicants who do not receive communication from the University should consider their application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to appropriate background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks and criminal-record screening. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. DUT may require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the position.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

ACADEMIC POSITIONS - INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 02 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Research, Innovation and Engagement

Business Unit: Research Institute

Minimum experience: Not Applicable

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Education

Job Description

INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SIX PERMANENT ACADEMIC POSITIONS

ADVERTISEMENT

ACADEMIC POSITIONS

DUT INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(2 × Professors / 2 × Associate Professors / 2 × Senior Lecturers)

With more than 34 400 students and approximately 1 700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology located in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots dating to 1907.

DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. Guided by ENVISION2030, its DNA of being people-centred and engaged, and innovative and entrepreneurial, DUT is committed to contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods. Its Philosophy of Education declares: “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society.”

The DUT Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is positioned as an African Institute for Inclusive Enterprise Futures. It is a research and evidence platform that investigates how enterprises start, survive, reach markets, scale, innovate and create sustainable value. The Institute complements, but does not duplicate, DUT's incubation, entrepreneurship education, intellectual-property and technology-transfer functions. Its distinctive mandate is to generate theory, longitudinal evidence, evaluation methods, policy intelligence and transferable models for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and comparable African economies.

The Institute research agenda

The six appointments are deliberately distributed across three mutually reinforcing themes:

• Inclusive Enterprise Formation, Survival and Scaling
• Market Access, Value Chains and Digital Trade
• Innovation Commercialisation and Sustainable Business Models

Appointment note. All appointments are subject to meeting DUT academic appointment criteria at the advertised rank. Applicants should identify the specific position and theme for which they are applying.

Position 1

Professor: Enterprise Life-Course, Survival and Scaling

Theme 1: Inclusive Enterprise Formation, Survival and Scaling

Reference Number: 30002765

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in enterprise life courses, survival and scaling. The role requires a scholar able to generate theoretically significant and practically useful evidence for African enterprise futures, develop postgraduate capacity and work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in Entrepreneurship or Small-business Development or Development Economics or Enterprise Development or Business Management or Economic Sociology or Public Policy, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in enterprise life courses, survival and scaling research.
• Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.
• A sustained record of high-quality, cited research; competitive grant awards; international recognition; and leadership of substantial externally funded programmes.
• Evidence of excellent teaching, postgraduate mentorship, curriculum contribution and academic citizenship appropriate to appointment rank.
• A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.
• Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master’s and Doctoral students.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).
• Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Longitudinal enterprise research; survival, failure and recovery; productivity and managerial capability; enterprise finance; informal-formal pathways; responsible scaling and employment quality.

Key responsibilities

• Provide senior intellectual leadership for the KwaZulu-Natal Enterprise Life-Course Observatory and establish a rigorous longitudinal panel of township, rural, informal, student and innovation-driven ventures.
• Advance comparative African scholarship on necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, enterprise resilience, household-enterprise interdependence, finance across the enterprise lifecycle and pathways to productive scale.
• Design and lead robust evaluations of enterprise-support interventions, including appropriate comparison strategies and mixed-method longitudinal analysis.
• Develop and sustain a focused programme of original, high-quality research within the designated Institute theme.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Translate research into evidence briefs, decision tools and demonstrable policy, enterprise or ecosystem use while maintaining academic independence.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An NRF rating or demonstrable eligibility for rating, or equivalent recognised research standing.
• Advanced competence in quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed research methods relevant to enterprise research, including ethical use of administrative, platform or longitudinal data.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive development, with research addressing youth entrepreneurship, women-owned enterprises, informal economies, rural enterprise development, sustainability, or social innovation.
• Experience in translating research into decision-support tools, policy frameworks, enterprise-development models, diagnostic instruments, or other practical outputs with measurable external impact.
• Demonstrated contribution to entrepreneurship education, curriculum innovation, entrepreneurial learning, or the advancement of entrepreneurial university practices

Position 2

Associate Professor: Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Finance and Resilience

Theme 1: Inclusive Enterprise Formation, Survival and Scaling

Reference Number: 30002767

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in inclusive entrepreneurship, enterprise finance and resilience. The role requires a scholar able to generate theoretically rigorous and practically relevant evidence on enterprise formation, survival, productivity, resilience and scaling within diverse African contexts.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in entrepreneurship or finance or development studies or economics or business management or behavioural science, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated engagement in inclusive entrepreneurship, enterprise finance and resilience.
• A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with demonstrable expertise in inclusive entrepreneurship, enterprise finance and resilience.
• Evidence of research quality through appropriate bibliometrics, grant awards, academic leadership, very good teaching and meaningful disciplinary or community engagement.
• A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.
• Successful supervision to completion of Master’s and Doctoral students.
• Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).
• Evidence of leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Inclusive entrepreneurial pathways; youth, women and community entrepreneurship; alternative finance; entrepreneur wellbeing; business continuity; informal enterprise development and second-chance entrepreneurship.

Key responsibilities

• Lead research on differentiated enterprise pathways in unequal and resource-constrained settings, with particular attention to township, rural and informal economies.
• Develop and validate diagnostics of survival, resilience, productivity, finance readiness and scaling constraints for distinct enterprise types.
• Build participatory studies with entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners that preserve research independence and produce actionable evidence.
• Lead or contribute to competitive grant proposals, commissioned research and multi-partner research programmes.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Translate research into evidence briefs, decision tools and demonstrable policy, enterprise or ecosystem use while maintaining academic independence.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An NRF rating or demonstrable eligibility for rating, or equivalent recognised research standing.
• Advanced competence in quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed research methods relevant to enterprise research, including ethical use of administrative, platform or longitudinal data.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.
• Evidence of collaboration with African and international researchers working on inclusive growth, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, or economic inclusion.
• Demonstrated contribution to entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial mindset development, experiential learning initiatives.

Position 3

Professor: Value Chains, Procurement and Digital Trade

Theme 2: Market Access, Value Chains and Digital Trade

Reference Number: 30002766

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in value chains, procurement and digital trade. The role requires a scholar able to generate theoretically significant and practically useful evidence for African enterprise futures, develop postgraduate capacity and work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in supply-chain management or economics or international trade or marketing or logistics or entrepreneurship or information systems or public procurement, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A strong record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated leadership in value chains, procurement and digital trade.
• Substantial and sustained period of distinguished academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with recognised standing in the field.
• A sustained record of high-quality, cited research; competitive grant awards; international recognition; and leadership of substantial externally funded programmes.
• Evidence of excellent teaching, postgraduate mentorship, curriculum contribution and academic citizenship appropriate to appointment rank.
• A minimum of ten (10) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.
• Evidence of substantial record of successful supervision to completion of Master’s and Doctoral students.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).
• Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Public procurement and localisation; corporate supplier development; digital platforms and commerce; export readiness; port-linked opportunity; clusters, local value chains and market intelligence.

Key responsibilities

• Provide senior intellectual leadership for the Durban Market Access and Value Chain Lab, including a KZN market-access and value-chain atlas.
• Lead research on how small enterprises enter, compete and retain value in public, corporate, digital and export markets, including port-linked logistics and manufacturing corridors.
• Develop measures of durable market access based on repeat sales, margins, contract performance, bargaining power and resilience rather than event participation alone.
• Examine the implications of artificial intelligence, data analytics, platform governance and digital technologies for enterprise growth and trade participation.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Translate research into evidence briefs, decision tools and demonstrable policy, enterprise or ecosystem use while maintaining academic independence.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An NRF rating or demonstrable eligibility for rating, or equivalent recognised research standing.
• Advanced competence in quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed research methods relevant to enterprise research, including ethical use of administrative, platform or longitudinal data.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead multidisciplinary research teams involving economics, business, logistics, technology, entrepreneurship, industrial development, and public policy.

Position 4

Senior Lecturer: Digital Markets, Supplier Development and Market Intelligence

Theme 2: Market Access, Value Chains and Digital Trade

Reference Number: 30002769

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in digital markets, supplier development and market intelligence. The role requires a scholar able to generate theoretically significant and practically useful evidence for African enterprise futures, develop postgraduate capacity and work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in digital business or marketing or information systems or supply-chain management or entrepreneurship or business analytics, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A developing record of research and/or academic leadership in digital markets, supplier development and market intelligence.
• Evidence of excellent teaching, innovative assessment or curriculum practice, effective academic advising and a developing independent research programme.
• An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.
• A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.
• Evidence of participation in supervision of Master’s students.
• Evidence of participation in grants writing.
• Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Platform participation; digital payments; discoverability; algorithmic exclusion; buyer behaviour; product-market fit; supplier onboarding; standards; customer retention and collective market access.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake applied research on digital-commerce participation, platform power, data rights, trust, logistics and algorithmic exclusion affecting small enterprises.
• Design sector studies and field experiments concerning supplier onboarding, buyer matching, standards compliance, digital trade and customer retention.
• Contribute to the procurement and supplier-development friction index and translate findings into usable instruments for enterprises and buyers.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An emerging national research profile and evidence of readiness to apply for an NRF rating or equivalent recognition.
• Competence in quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed research methods relevant to enterprise research, including ethical use of administrative, platform or longitudinal data.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.

Position 5

Associate Professor: Research Commercialisation and Venture Evidence

Theme 3: Innovation Commercialisation and Sustainable Business Models

Reference Number: 30002768

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in research commercialisation and venture evidence through internationally recognised scholarship that advances understanding of how innovations move from discovery to societal and economic impact. The role requires a scholar capable of generating theoretically significant and practically useful evidence for African enterprise futures, develop postgraduate capacity and work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in innovation management or entrepreneurship or technology management or commercialization or strategic management or intellectual property studies or economics, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A good record of research and/or academic leadership, with demonstrated engagement in research commercialisation and venture evidence through internationally recognised scholarship that advances understanding of how innovations move from discovery to societal and economic impact.
• A significant period of sustained academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment, with demonstrable expertise in research commercialisation and venture evidence.
• Evidence of research quality through appropriate bibliometrics, grant awards, academic leadership, very good teaching and meaningful disciplinary or community engagement.
• A minimum of seven (7) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline, with evidence of research quality and impact.
• Successful supervision to completion of Master’s and Doctoral students.
• Evidence of success in securing competitive research funding (grants, contracts or commissioned research).
• Evidence of leading or contributing to multidisciplinary teams and building national/international research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

University spinouts; research commercialisation; proof of concept; IP strategy; licensing and venture pathways; founder teams; customer validation; investment readiness and commercialisation evidence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a major workstream within the DUT Venture and Business Model Evidence Lab, tracing university, student and community innovations from concept or disclosure through validation, commercialisation, adoption and impact.
• Produce comparative evidence on licensing, spinout, social-enterprise and partnership pathways without assuming responsibility for operational incubation or technology-transfer transactions.
• Develop and validate commercialisation-readiness, venture-evidence and valuation instruments that connect technical promise to market demand and societal value.
• Examine the factors that influence venture survival, sustainability and long-term impact in African and emerging economy contexts.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Translate research into evidence briefs, decision tools and demonstrable policy, enterprise or ecosystem use while maintaining academic independence.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An NRF rating or demonstrable eligibility for rating, or equivalent recognised research standing.
• Advanced competence in quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed research methods relevant to enterprise research, including ethical use of administrative, platform or longitudinal data.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.
• Evidence of working with technology transfer offices, innovation agencies, incubators, accelerators, science parks, venture builders, investors, or commercialisation support organisations.

Position 6

Senior Lecturer: Sustainable, Circular and Social Business Models

Theme 3: Innovation Commercialisation and Sustainable Business Models

Reference Number: 30002770

Status of Position: Permanent

Campus: Durban / Pietermaritzburg, as determined by DUT

Position purpose

The appointee will strengthen the Institute's research programme in sustainable, circular and social business models. The role requires a scholar capable of generating theoretically significant and practically useful evidence for African enterprise futures, develop postgraduate capacity and work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF 10) in sustainable business or circular economy or innovation management or entrepreneurship or environmental economics or industrial ecology or social innovation, or a closely related qualification to the theme.
• A developing record of research and/or academic leadership in sustainable, circular and social business models.
• Evidence of excellent teaching, innovative assessment or curriculum practice, effective academic advising and a developing independent research programme.
• An appropriate period of relevant academic experience in research and/or professional experience in higher education or a research environment.
• A minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited research outputs/creative outputs over the preceding three years, relevant to the discipline.
• Evidence of participation in supervision of Master’s students.
• Evidence of participation in grants writing.
• Evidence of participation in multidisciplinary teams and research collaborations.

Theme-specific expertise

Green, circular and regenerative enterprise; social and community innovation; frugal innovation; business-model experimentation; technology diffusion; AI adoption and just-transition enterprise opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on resource productivity, repair, reuse, waste valorisation, low-carbon enterprise and business-model renewal in climate- and infrastructure-disrupted settings.
• Evaluate hybrid-value, cooperative, community-ownership and social-enterprise models, including their financial, environmental and societal sustainability.
• Co-design and assess green and circular business-model demonstrators with implementation partners using credible baselines and adoption measures.
• Investigate the drivers and barriers influencing adoption of circular economy practices, resource-efficient production systems and sustainable enterprise models.
• Examine the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in addressing societal challenges, including climate change, unemployment, inequality, poverty and community resilience.
• Build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships with entrepreneurs, communities, government, industry and African or international universities.
• Translate research into evidence briefs, decision tools and demonstrable policy, enterprise or ecosystem use while maintaining academic independence.
• Comply with DUT requirements for research ethics, data governance, intellectual property, financial management, reporting and audit readiness.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary Institute seminars, postgraduate training, limited teaching where required, and the collegial life of DUT.

Ideal / additional recommendations

• An emerging national research profile and evidence of readiness to apply for an NRF rating or equivalent recognition.
• Knowledge in evaluating social, environmental and economic impacts of enterprises, programmes, technologies, or business-model interventions.
• A record of engaged scholarship and credible knowledge translation for policy, industry, entrepreneurs or communities.

Application Information applies to all six positions:

Application requirements

• A fully completed prescribed DUT application for employment form, obtainable from www.dut.ac.za under Quick Links / Careers.
• A detailed curriculum vitae explicitly demonstrating how the applicant meets the rank and theme-specific requirements.
• A covering letter identifying the exact position, rank and research theme applied for.
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates.
• A copy of an identity document or passport, and current contact details for referees.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. ZJ. Ngcobo

Application email / portal: DUT Careers Portal

Please note

While DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be entered into only with shortlisted candidates. Applicants who do not receive communication from the University should consider their application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to appropriate background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks and criminal-record screening. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. DUT may require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the position.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

MANAGER TREASURY MANAGEMENT

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 28 September 2026

Job Details

Division: Finance

Business Unit: Financial Accounting

Minimum experience: Mid-Senior

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Finance

Job Description

With more than 34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

1. Accounting and Informatics
2. Applied Science
3. Arts & Design
4. Engineering and the Built Environment
5. Health Sciences
6. Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Finance

Post: Manager Treasury Management

Position Ref: 20000767

Minimum Requirements:

• Honours Degree in Financial Accounting, investment management or any other relevant qualification (NQF Level 8).
• 6 to 8 years’ experience within a treasury environment of which 3 years should have been in a management role.
• Knowledge of relevant legislative requirements
• Understanding of the Higher Education environment
• Sound knowledge of the business environment, the relevant role players within the business and their key responsibilities and outcomes
• Sound knowledge of the current and future practices in the business area to apply to the best interest of the Institution
• Knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures applicable to the specific work environment to ensure that work outcomes are compliant to the policies and procedures

Ideal: 

• Qualified as a Chartered Accountant - CA (SA).
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Professional Qualification ICIMA / CGMA.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Summary of Duties:

• Provide input into the strategy of the treasury function in collaboration with the Senior Manager Financial Accounting
• Review the liquidity management strategy and put plans in place for the execution of the strategy
• Ensure the implementation of appropriate liquidity management practices
• Identify liquidity risks and put action plans in place to mitigate risks
• Co-ordinate loan servicing programmes and assist with raising of loans
• Provide input into the into month end and year end statements
• Maintain professional relationships with stakeholders
• Manage a team of direct report and maintain a climate conducive for team motivation and performance

 Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Mr. V.N Mazwi

Status of Position: Permanent

• Applications should include:
• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
• A detailed curriculum vita (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Covering Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contact information of referees

Please note:

While the DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will only be made with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal record screening, and lifestyle audits for financially related positions. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may also require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the position.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Permanent

Closing Date 28 September 2026

Job Details

Division: Institutional Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Higher Education

Job functional area: Strategy/Planning

Job Description

Post: Strategic Intelligence Specialist

Post Reference: 20001699

With more than 34,400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

1.      Accounting and Informatics
2.      Applied Science
3.      Arts & Design
4.      Engineering and the Built Environment
5.      Health Sciences
6.      Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University has substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARChI Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Overall Purpose of the Job

To provide strategic intelligence through the rigorous management, analysis and visualisation of institutional data to support evidence-based decision-making, strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting. The Strategic Intelligence Specialist translates complex internal and external data into actionable insights and recommendations, develops and maintains analytical models, dashboards and management information tools, and promotes data quality, governance and consistent use of institutional information across DUT.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or a related quantitative discipline and Ideally Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Intelligence or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 5-7 years' relevant experience in data analytics, statistical analysis, business intelligence, data management or institutional performance reporting.

Summary of Duties:

Strategic Intelligence, Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyse institutional and relevant external data to identify patterns, trends, opportunities and risks.
• Apply descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and scenario-based techniques to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Translate complex data into clear strategic intelligence, recommendations and management information for executive and institutional stakeholders.

Data Management, Integration & Quality Assurance

• Maintain automated process for data updates and reporting pipelines
• Document data models, flows and validation procedures
• Maintain reliable datasets, data models, reporting pipelines, data dictionaries, metadata and version-control information.
• Resolve data discrepancies with IT and data stewards, and support strategy data warehouses, governance processes and data audits.

Business Intelligence, Visualisation & Dashboard Development

• Design, develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards and visual reports using Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms.
• Guide and train users on the interpretation and effective use of dashboards and analytical outputs.
• Provide analytics for performance against strategic objectives/strategic goals as presented in the institutional strategic plan; Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Extended Annual Performance Plan (EAPP)

Institutional Performance Monitoring, Reporting & Forecasting

• Monitor performance against DUT Strategy, APP/EAPP commitments, approved KPIs and institutional targets.
• Develop forecasts, baselines, metrics and scenarios to support target-setting, planning and resource decisions.
• Support management, Council, Senate, DHET, CHE and other statutory or governance reporting and submissions.

Stakeholder Advisory, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Institutional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (IPME) peers as well as relevant divisions/departments/units to develop shared data and analytical solutions.
• Present findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences and support institutional data literacy.
• Promote compliance with POPIA, DUT data governance requirements and applicable DHET/CHE reporting standards.
• Maintain documentation, audit trails and data-request protocols, and continuously improve analytical and reporting processes.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Mr. Viko Mazwi

Status of Position: Permanent

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from dut.ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
• A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Cover Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contactable referees

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.

PLEASE APPLY HERE