Sefako Makgatoh Health Sciences University (SMU) Professor/Associate Professor & HOD (Radiography) Vacancy 2026 at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Academic Positions

Opportunity Overview

Sefako Makgatoh Health Sciences University (SMU) is seeking to attract top talent as it embarks on a renewal path, creating unique opportunities to shape the training of medical and other health professionals. This opening is for an academic leader within the School of Medicine's Department of Radiography.

The successful candidate will be appointed to a permanent academic position as either a Professor, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer, or Lecturer. Additionally, they will serve a 3-year term as Head of Department (HOD), providing academic leadership and organisational management to the department.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Radiography (required for Professor, Associate Professor, or Senior Lecturer ranks) or a Master's degree in Radiography (required for Lecturer rank).
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• At least five (5) years of relevant academic management experience.
• Proven understanding of collaborative, ethical, innovative, and effective leadership styles, coupled with a commitment to higher education standards.
• Understanding of issues related to HPCSA.
• Understanding of the challenges facing SMU specifically and the Higher Education Sector in general.
• Ability to exhibit an effective leadership style and a commitment to higher academic standards.
• Commitment and ability to promote the Department’s mission and position to internal University constituencies and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to navigate online platforms such as Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams with requisite proficiency.
• Computer literacy, including a sound knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, the Internet, and competency in ITS.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic and research leadership within the department.
• Teach courses and modules according to departmental needs.
• Maintain and continuously strive to improve personal academic standing.
• Admit students into departmental offerings and ensure examinations are of acceptable quality and properly administered.
• Encourage the pursuit of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Encourage and support academic staff in research and community engagement activities aligned with SMU’s vision and mission.
• Seek new opportunities for enhancing the national and international standing of the University and Department.
• Promote collaboration with other Departments or Centres.
• Develop a culture of evaluation and benchmarking, striving for continuous improvement.
• Represent the interests and needs of the Department and University to the external community.
• Represent the interests and needs of the Department within the University through active engagement with the School Board, School, Senate, and its various Committees.
• Create and maintain a visionary research strategy for the department.

What the Work Involves

As Head of Department, you will provide critical academic leadership and organisational management to the Department of Radiography within SMU’s School of Medicine. Your daily work will involve a balance of teaching, research, and administrative duties. You will be responsible for admitting students, overseeing examination quality, and fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation in teaching and learning among staff.

Reporting to the Dean of the School, you will guide departmental strategy, promote research and community engagement, and seek opportunities to enhance the department's standing both nationally and internationally. This role requires active engagement with internal university committees and external stakeholders, working to ensure the department’s mission and interests are effectively represented. The working environment is within a university setting, involving interaction with faculty, students, and administrative teams, and leveraging online platforms for collaboration and teaching.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email to the Human Resources department.

• Email Address: hr.recruitment9@smu.ac.za

Please ensure your application reaches the university by 18 September 2026.