NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES (NHLS) Head (Associate Professor/Professor) Division of Medical Microbiology Vacancy 2026 | Permanent Post

Opportunity Overview

The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) invite applications for a permanent post as Professor/Associate Professor and Head of the Division of Medical Microbiology within the Department of Pathology. UCT is Africa’s highest-ranked university, committed to teaching, research, and addressing societal challenges.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT is a leading health sciences faculty on the continent. The Division of Medical Microbiology plays a crucial role in medical microbiology research, education, and service provision. This position offers an opportunity to lead, champion, and manage all focus areas within the Division, driving innovation and ensuring best practices in research, teaching, training, and social responsiveness both locally and internationally.

Minimum Requirements

• Recognised leader in the field of Medical Microbiology.
• A specialist Medical Microbiologist with a minimum of seven (7) years post-specialisation experience.
• Registered with or eligible for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Demonstrated insight into opportunities for innovative diagnostic approaches relevant to South Africa and the broader African context.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in teaching, training, and research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with evidence of effective supervision to completion.
• A strong research background, evidenced by a track record of international peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated leadership ability across service and teaching platforms.
• Demonstrated evidence of insight into the challenges and opportunities for advancing health care through Medical Microbiology in South Africa and Africa.
• A proven track record of teamwork and the ability to build effective partnerships with internal, external, and international stakeholders.
• A proven track record of mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, champion, and manage all focus areas within the Division, including medical microbiology research, teaching, training, and social responsiveness within South Africa and on an international scale.
• Develop strategic and operational plans in consultation with the Head of Department (HOD) of Pathology, the Dean FHS, Groote Schuur Hospital CEO, and NHLS CEO.
• Drive innovation and ensure best practices in all divisional activities.
• Provide academic leadership to advance the Division’s scholarship, teaching, and standards.
• Foster staff and student development and create an integrated, innovative academic unit.
• Manage Divisional staff and resources, promoting diversity, transformation, and equity.
• Be prepared to assume the rotational role of HOD of the Department of Pathology.
• Actively participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, and clinical/laboratory diagnostics.
• Apply a multidisciplinary approach to Medical Microbiology across primary health care centres and hospitals in the Cape Town Metropolitan district.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by visiting the UCT careers portal:

• Application Portal: http://www.jobs.uct.ac.za/
• Application Deadline: 16 August 2026