University Of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN) Professor/Associate Professor (Medicine Specialist) in Public Health Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is inviting applications for a permanent Professor or Associate Professor position within its College of Health Sciences. This vital role is situated in the Discipline of Public Health at the School of Medicine, based at the Howard College Campus in Durban.

This opportunity is for a highly qualified specialist in Public Health Medicine, with specific expertise in Medical Law and Bioethics. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the training and education of future medical professionals and to expanding the department's knowledge base.

Minimum Requirements

For Both Professor and Associate Professor roles:

• MBChB or an equivalent qualification.
• A PhD Degree in Public Health or Medical Law and Bioethics.
• Registration as a Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• A relevant Master's degree in Public Health Medicine.
• At least 3 years of experience in Public Health-related skills, including Epidemiology and Health Services Management.
• Appropriate clinical experience.
• Computer literacy.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Additional Requirements for Associate Professor:

• Evidence of appropriate teaching experience and curriculum development in a relevant field at a tertiary level.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Master's and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants.
• Evidence of national and/or international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Appointment level will depend on years of experience after HPCSA registration as a medical practitioner, as well as academic and professional credentials.

Additional Requirements for Professor:

• Evidence of excellent teaching experience and leadership in curriculum development in a relevant field at a tertiary level.
• Excellent and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Master's and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Excellent and sustained track record of successful attraction of external research grants.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department, School, College, or University, including mentorship and coaching.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Appointment level will depend on years of experience after HPCSA registration as a medical practitioner, as well as academic and professional credentials.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Actively contribute to the training and education of undergraduate medical students.
• Provide training and education to registrars in Public Health Medicine (MMed).
• Contribute to the training and education of postgraduate students in Public Health.
• Build the knowledge base of the Public Health department.
• Coordinate and facilitate teaching activities within the department.

How to Apply

• Complete the relevant academic application form, which is available on the UKZN Vacancies website: https://hr.ukzn.ac.za/forms/
• Ensure you reference the advert number ukzn_000891 in your application.
• Submit your completed application through the official UKZN online application portal: https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php
• The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026.