The Wits Centre for Diversity Studies in the School of Social Sciences is an interdisciplinary centre that enjoys an international reputation for outstanding teaching, research and public engagement in Critical Diversity Studies regionally and internationally. The work of the Centre focusses on the construction of difference in conditions of unequal power relations, and how these constructions are co-constituted, reproduced, resisted, and reframed, using the framework of Critical Diversity Literacy. It now seeks to appoint an internationally recognised scholar to become part of the centre s leadership team. The appointment will be made at the level of Associate Professor, and requires a candidate with extensive experience in academic scholarship and postgraduate supervision, institutional development, including fundraising, project management and the translation of academic research into popular media and policy processes.
Brief DescriptionApplications are welcomed from scholars with a track record of critical research in dimensions of difference such as race, gender, sexuality, (dis)ability, age etc, especially where these engage intersectional and decolonial theoretical frameworks. The successful applicant will have an ability and willingness to provide research and academic leadership, participate in a collegial atmosphere, generate quality published research, actively seek thematic funding, manage international research programmes, provide supervision of postgraduate students and teaching in the Masters programme, be part of the editorial team of the International Journal of Critical Diversity Studies, and engage in public debates and seminars.
As the appointee will be expected to serve as the director of the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies, this post requires the ability to lead and strengthen the institutional, academic and strategic vision of the Centre. Critically, this requires an academic willing to invest time and energy in the continued growth of the Centre, including engagement across the university to forge new partnerships across disciplines, a focus on fundraising to ensure the sustainability of the Centre, and support the development of postgraduate and early career researchers. This requires dedicating time to the extensive administrative and leadership duties involved in this position.
Requirements
The successful candidate will demonstrate all or most of the following:
A commitment to issues of difference, diversity and social justice
A PhD in a relevant social science discipline
Interdisciplinarity in training and approach
A substantial research track record, including publications in internationally recognized journals, editing of books and special issues
Extensive administrative, project management and curriculum development experience
Proven teaching record
Proven ability to obtain and manage external research funding
Experience in managing project finances
A proven record of leading and working with a diverse and interdisciplinary team in ways that support mentorship and career development
Existing local and international partnerships and networks
Enquiries ONLY: Professor Nicky Falkof, Wits Centre for Diversity Studies. emai: nicky.falkof@wits.ac.za
Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplyTo apply, submit a letter of motivation - clearly indicating which position you are applying for, a detailed CV and the names and contact details of three referees (incl. e-mail addresses).
Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits/Self Service application/ Apply for a job
External applicants are invited to apply, by registering a profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application.
*The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given toappointable applicants from the under-represented designated groups in terms of therelevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. Designated groups asdefined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, means black people,women and people with disabilities.
WITS Employment Equity Policy: https://www.wits.ac.za/media/wits-university/footer/about-wits/transformation-office/documents/Policy%20-%20Employment%20Equity.pdf
Closing Date: Friday, 31 January 2025
NB: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting. The University reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates and to verify credit standing. *Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.