University of the Witwatersrand
Professor / Associate Professor: Research Chair in Gender Equality
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is located in the heart of Johannesburg, a world-class city. Wits is dedicated to creating solutions that contribute to our country’s knowledge and build a better future. With over 130,000 graduates in its 91-year history, the university continues to make a significant impact nationally and globally.
Position Overview
The FALF-WBS-WDB Research Chair in Gender Equality is a strategic role designed to strengthen South Africa’s research and innovation. Although South Africa has strong laws, gender inequality remains a challenge, particularly for Black women. This role aims to address these challenges through high-quality research that influences policy and promotes equality across all sectors.
The Research Chair will provide academic leadership in gender equality, focusing on business, development, and management. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of Black women researchers and produce world-class work that benefits society.
Main Objectives
- Increase Representation: Mentor and develop Black female academic leaders in the fields of business and management.
- Lead Strategic Research: Conduct research that aligns with national and international development goals.
- Create Career Pathways: Develop opportunities for early and mid-career Black female researchers at the Wits Business School.
- Support Postgraduates: Increase the number of Black female Master’s and Doctoral graduates through dedicated mentorship.
- Collaborative Impact: Use data and insights from the Women’s Development Business Trust (WDB Trust) to inform socially responsive research.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead a flagship research program focused on gender equality in South Africa and the African continent.
- Study the causes of gender inequality, including leadership, economic participation, education, and gender-based violence.
- Use an intersectional approach to understand how race, class, and gender affect lived experiences.
- Supervise and mentor Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows.
- Secure external funding and grants to support research activities.
- Publish high-quality research in international journals and books.
- Turn research findings into practical tools, such as policy briefs and frameworks, to help reform institutions and public policy.
- Build partnerships with other universities, government departments, and international organizations.
Requirements
- Applicants must be South African Black women (African or Coloured). South African women in the diaspora are eligible if they move to South Africa for the duration of the position.
- A PhD in a relevant field such as Gender Equality, Development Management, Business Management, or a related discipline.
- The ability to be appointed at the level of Associate Professor or Professor.
- A strong record of published research and national or international recognition in gender equality studies.
- Proven experience in supervising Master’s and Doctoral students to completion.
- Experience in leading large-scale research projects and successfully attracting research funding.
- A clear commitment to academic transformation and social equity.
Job Details
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Field: Education / Research
- Closing Date: 20 February 2026
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit their applications through the Wits iRecruitment portal.