Department of Media, Language & Communication Durban

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a globally recognised institution committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, and impactful engagement. Guided by the ENVISION2030 strategic framework and embedded in The DUT-Way values and principles, the University advances a transformative, industry-connected and people-centred academic environment that contributes meaningfully to South Africa’s creative and knowledge economies.

The Department of Media, Language & Communication plays a pivotal role in shaping future media practitioners, storytellers, communicators, and civic influencers for the region and country. With dynamic programme offerings in Media Studies, Journalism, Language Practice, Public Relations, and Digital Communication, the Department is driving creative innovation, multilingual advancement, and socially informed communicative futures.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the following permanent academic appointment and linked fixed-term leadership position:

1️⃣ PROFESSOR / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

(Permanent Appointment)

 Minimum Requirements: Professor

•  Doctoral Degree in Media, Language & Communication, Journalism, Language Practice, English & Communication, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of excellent higher education experience including postgraduate supervision
• International recognition demonstrated through research outputs over the past 10 years
• Proven supervision at Masters and Doctoral levels
• Significant contribution to community engagement and/or industry collaboration

 Minimum Requirements: Associate Professor

•  Doctoral Degree in a relevant field as above
• Minimum 7 years of higher education or academic leadership experience
• National and/or international research recognition over the past 7 years
• Successful postgraduate supervision
• Demonstrated contribution to community engagement

2️⃣ HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: MEDIA, LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION

 (5-year renewable contract, in addition to the permanent academic appointment)

 Minimum Requirements

•  PhD in a relevant discipline aligned to Departmental programme offerings
• Meets requirements for appointment as Associate Professor / Professor
• Minimum 5 years of academic leadership and team development experience

 
Key Leadership Responsibilities

•  Provide strategic leadership in Teaching & Learning, Research, and Community Engagement
• Advance postgraduate development and scholarly productivity
• Manage budgets, workloads, recruitment, and quality assurance
• Strengthen departmental visibility, partnerships, and stakeholder relations
• Drive holistic student support and transformation imperatives

 Remuneration

• Professor / Associate Professor: Market-related salary with benefits
• Head of Department: R10 000 per month non-pensionable allowance (inclusive of cellphone allowance)

 Applicants must submit:

• DUT Application for Employment Form (via DUT website → @Careers)
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter demonstrating alignment to role requirements
• Certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts
  • Contact details of three recent referees
  • Email applications to: [email protected]  
    
  • Quote Reference: Media, Language & Communication: Prof/AP & HOD
  • No manual submissions will be accepted.
  • Incomplete applications will be disregarded.

Employment Equity Statement

In line with DUT’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to women candidates in alignment

with transformation priorities.

DUT reserves the right not to appoint, or to re-advertise to widen the pool of applicants. Verification will be conducted on the preferred candidate.