Director: Electron Microscope Unit (EMU) at University of Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Jul, 26

Salary

1805034.0

Posted On

18 Apr, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Electron microscopy, Research leadership, Grant writing, Academic management, Strategic planning, Imaging techniques, Postgraduate supervision, Business planning, Financial management, Scientific leadership, Team management, Marketing, Analytical techniques, Research publication

Industry

Research Services

Description

DIRECTOR: ELECTRON MICROSCOPE UNIT (Associate Professor/Professor level) Electron Microscope Unit (EMU) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment The University of Cape Town (UCT) is seeking to appoint a Director at the level of Associate Professor or Professor to lead the Electron Microscope Unit (EMU) within the Aaron Klug Centre for Imaging and Analysis. This world-class facility serves the advanced imaging needs of the physical, life, and biomedical sciences across the Faculties of Engineering and the Built Environment, Science, and Health Sciences , with a wide user base beyond UCT (http://www.emu.uct.ac.za). The Unit is located in a modern building that is purpose-built to house high resolution electron microscopes. The resources of the Unit include transmission and scanning electron microscopes, Raman confocal microscope, other related imaging tools, as well as specialized preparative equipment and two research, two scientific, and two technical officers responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment. The Director is expected to lead the Unit in the interests of the users of the facility, primarily UCT researchers and their post-graduate students, and to develop the EMU as an internationally recognized multi-disciplinary facility in line with UCT’s strategic vision. The main purpose of the position is to lead, develop, maintain, market, and manage the Unit to ensure that it is at the cutting edge of imaging and analysis techniques. Up to fifty percent of the Director’s time should be spent on self-initiated research in imaging and analysis or a field which uses modern imaging techniques extensively. Requirements for the position: At both levels: Possession of a PhD; Leadership of an active, well-funded research programme; Substantial experience in the use of electron microscopy and other imaging and analysis techniques in research, as evidenced by a record of original research publications in peer-reviewed journals; Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills; Experience in managing and enabling the professional development of young scientists. At Associate Professor Level: A comprehensive academic track record including a strong publication record; At least five years’ relevant experience in an academic and/or applied research environment; An excellent track record of raising funds for research as co- or lead investigator. At Professor Level: A comprehensive academic track record and a strong publication record including proven international recognition for specialist expertise in a particular area of academic scholarship. The greatest emphasis will be placed on academic work undertaken during the past five years; At least ten years’ relevant experience in an academic and/or applied research environment, with an excellent reputation and leadership in the field and wider community;An excellent track record of raising funds for research as lead investigator, including international grants. Appointment will take place in alignment with the Faculty’s expectations for performance at each rank. For more information, please visit http://www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/performance/promotion/academic#facultyprocedures. Key responsibilities include: Providing direction to the strategic growth and multi-disciplinary activities of the Unit; Marketing and the promotion of the Unit in the interests of the users of the facility; Conducting high quality scholarly research in an area that is closely related to advanced imaging, and supervision of postgraduate students; Educating researchers and postgraduate students in the application and use of advanced electron microscopy and other imaging and analysis techniques; Formulating grant proposals for new equipment and major long-term research and infrastructural projects; Developing and maintaining a business plan that aligns with the research support goals and services for the Unit, and ensuring its responsible financial management; Forging synergies between the Unit, UCT academic departments and other entities within and outside the University; Providing scientific leadership within the Unit; and Managing research teams. The 2026 annual remuneration package, including benefits, at the respective level is as follows: Associate Professor: R1 457 192 Professor: R1 805 034 To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (for internal applicants) and UCT Careers site (for external applicants) to create a profile and submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application: A motivation letter which addresses the above criteria, including a statement on your potential contribution as the Director for the Unit; A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV); Three referee names, which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number; Highest qualification/s; and Copy of ID/Passport. Please clearly indicate the level (i.e., Associate Professor/Professor) for which you are applying. An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete and will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and/or deliver an open presentation to the Department/Faculty. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. Any enquiries for this position are to be addressed to Mr Ian Petersen at ian.petersen@uct.ac.za or 021 650 2163. Closing date: 8 May 2026 Website: www.ebe.uct.ac.za/ Reference number: ID 1342 UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for leading, managing, and marketing the Electron Microscope Unit to ensure it remains a cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary facility. They will also conduct high-quality research, supervise postgraduate students, and oversee the strategic and financial operations of the unit.