FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

in collaboration with the

 

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

 

ABSA CHAIR in DATA SCIENCE – PROFESSOR or ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (ONE POST)

 

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

 

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

 

The Chair in Data Science sponsored by ABSA solicits applications for the appointment of a professor or an associate professor to lead research in Big Data and Data Science at the University of Pretoria.

 

ABSA sponsors the role which is in line with its commitment to furthering Data Science research and in recognition of the importance of data in unlocking solutions in banking and other sectors in Africa.

 

The Departments of Statistics and Computer Science are, amongst others, participating in the UP Research Institute for Big Data and Data Science. The Institute’s vision is to become a recognized world-class research, education and service delivery facility in Big Data and Data Science taking specific cognizance of the needs in South Africa, and the academic strengths of the University of Pretoria. The successful candidate will be expected to work in close relationship with the Institute.

 

The successful candidate can be appointed at either level, depending on his/her expertise and qualifications, in the Department of Computer Science. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

 

• Promoting, planning, organising and managing of research programmes in Big Data & Data Science;
• Foster and support a multidisciplinary collaborative research effort across faculties and amongst faculty members focussing on various aspects of Big Data & Data Science that includes aspects such as machine learning, statistical learning and big data platforms;
• All financial activities including externally funded projects as well as attracting funding required for the data-science related research projects;
• Playing an active role as academic leader of Big Data & Data Science at a national and international level;
• Leading and promoting the Big Data & Data Science research initiative in terms of research outputs ranking and postgraduate students;
• Engage in outstanding scholarly activities leading to national, regional and international recognition;
• Building a multi-stakeholder model for conducting research in Big Data & Data Science which includes strong representation from industry partners and government;
• Collaborate internationally with other scientific institutes to further the scientific agenda as well as forge international industrial partnerships.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 

Associate Professor:

 

• A PhD in a closely related discipline to Big Data and Data Science e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Computer Engineering and the like, is required;
• Excellent academic status in the relevant discipline;
• Expert knowledge in the multidisciplinary fields of data science;
• A proven research and publication record;
• National recognition as a researcher;
• Experience in the successful graduation of Master’s and/or PhD candidates;
• Experience in undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching;
• Expertise in Software programming and data management across different platforms;
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge. 

Professor:

 

• A PhD in a closely related discipline to Big Data and Data Science e.g. Computer Science, Statistics, Computer Engineering and the like, is required;
• Excellent academic status in the relevant discipline;
• A proven research and publication record;
• National and international recognition as a researcher;
• Experience in the successful graduation of PhD candidates;
• Experience in undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching;
• Expertise in Software programming and data management across different platforms;
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge;
• Proven record of fundraising for research and human capital development.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

 

• Strong leadership and communication skills;
• An exceptional research record preferably in a Big Data & Data Science relevant discipline;
• A proven track record of international academic collaboration as well as experience with partnering with industry.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

 

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: [log in to unmask]

 

In applying for this post, please attach:

 

• Complete and updated Curriculum Vitae;
• A brief self-evaluation by the candidate;
• The candidate’s vision for the Research Chair;
• A short teaching portfolio;
• Details of three contactable referees, including referees who can attest to the candidate’s academic and/or leadership qualities. 

Candidates may be expected to make a 15 minute presentation to the Appointments Committee on his / her vision for developing the Data Science initiative.

 

By applying, candidates agree to the appointment process as set out in the relevant UP policy document. This process can be accessed at  http://www.up.ac.za/services/personnel/policies/w113E.doc.

 

CLOSING DATE: 30 November 2017

 

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it is incomplete and does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

 

ENQUIRIES: Prof Jan Eloff, Tel: 012 420 6927, E-mail: [log in to unmask]

 

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

 

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

 

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

 

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.