Re-advertising: Director: Institute for Water Research (IWR) at the level of Associate Professor/Pro

Detail:

The Institute for Water Research (IWR) is a multi-disciplinary research department of Rhodes University, whose objective is to contribute to sustainable water resources management in southern Africa. This is achieved through scientific research into the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, the application of research through specialist consultancy services and capacity building through supervision of postgraduate students. The IWRs main fields of expertise include hydrology, water resource assessment, aquatic ecotoxicology, environmental water quality, freshwater ecology, water governance, water ethics, aquatic and molecular microbiology and bioinformatics. The IWR is largely self-funded, relying on contract research projects funded by national and international agencies, corporate sponsorship, as well as income from consultancy projects. These funds are used to support operating costs, staff salaries and post-graduate bursaries. In recent years the Institute has been very successful in forming partnerships with other research organisations, funding agencies and commercial consulting companies. The Institute is the hub of the Africa Research Universities Alliance Water Centre of Excellence (ARUA Water CoE) and the African Water Resources Mobility Network (AWaRMN). The ARUA Water CoE is therefore part of the IWR but has its own director who reports to the IWR Director. Together with the ARUA Water CoE Director and Heads of the various Research Groups, the IWR Director provides the overall strategic leadership for the entire IWR. The Institute offers research postgraduate degrees (MSc and PhD) in both Hydrology and Water Resource Science.

The role of Director: IWR

As overall head of the Institute for Water Research (IWR), of which the ARUA Water CoE is part, the incumbent, in collaboration with other staff, is responsible for providing strategic leadership for achieving the vision and mission of the IWR in the areas of research; project management; MSc and PhD supervision; fund raising; people management, and local and international reputation and networks.

The appointment will be made at either Associate Professor or Professor level contingent on academic credentials.

Requirements:

The successful incumbent is required to hold a PhD specialising in Freshwater Ecology, or a related discipline. Research supervision of Masters and preferably PhD degrees is required.

In addition, the successful incumbent is required to have:

• Track record of research publication. A strong record of publications in appropriate scholarly and accredited journals based in fields of IWR strategic interest.
• A proven strong record of leading large inter- or trans-disciplinary research groups and of managing research projects in IWR strategic research areas. Proven track record in fundraising with respect to research projects; and a proven ability to work effectively with donor budgets.
• Evidence of transdisciplinary research practice, and of working across multiple disciplines including the sciences, social sciences and humanities.
• A strong record of working with policy makers and practitioners in the water sector.
• A strong record of securing external funding from local and international funding agencies; must show evidence of attracting large grants over the past three-five years
• Track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles (leadership roles may be informal).

For additional requirements, please prefer to the Educational requirements and experience in the academic role profile below.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence, Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note that this appointment will be made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended and the University's recruitment and selection policies and equity strategies. The initial focus will be on equity candidates.

In terms of Immigration Legislation (Act No. 13 of 2002 & Regulations) as amended, international staff members (non-SA citizens) have to comply with the provisions of the Act. This therefore means that the period of employment to non-SA citizens will be guided by the validity period of the work permit. In line with legislation governing employment of foreign nationals, employment contracts will be offered on the basis that a development plan would be implemented for the transfer of skills to a South African resident. The onus is on candidates to ensure that they are in possession of a valid work permit before the commencement of employment at the University, failing which the employment with Rhodes University will be terminated.

Application process:

The following documents are required:

• An application form;
• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications, including academic transcripts;
• A substantial motivation which tells us:
  
  • Your research trajectory.
  • Your teaching approach and experience.
  • The level you are applying for, your interest in the post and suitability in light of the requirements.

It is essential that prospective candidates read the academic role profile, further particulars relating to this post and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

If you have any questions or experiencing challenges on the system, please contact Mericha Maccario on 046 603 8001.

Failure to submit such documentation will result in an application not being considered. Please examine the following documents:

• Application Form (right click and select open in new tab)
• Academic Role Profile (right click and select open in new tab
• Further particulars about the post and the Selection Process (right click and select open in new tab)

The selection process that will be followed for this post including the process of short-listing, the interview etc, is contained in the document above. The Full Minimum Requirements against which candidates are to be measured are outlined in the requirements document.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration

Professor

Cost to Company Approximately: R 1,211,748.00

Basic Salary: R 833,701.00

Associate Professor

Cost to Company Approximately: R 1,002,670.00

Basic Salary: R 709,185.00

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Please apply online by accessing the Rhodes University Website.

Candidates should note that Rhodes University has introduced a Covid-19 vaccine mandate and that staff members are required to conform to the University's conditions in this regard.

Closing Date: 10 October 2022

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

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