The successful candidate will work closely with wildlife specialists within the Faculty of Veterinary Science and collaborate with the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS), as well as stakeholders in the local wildlife industry, including game farms, conservation bodies, and regulatory authorities.
A key aspect of the role will be to understand and influence animal movement dynamics, disease surveillance, and biosecurity within South Africa's unique wildlife economy.
Responsibilities:
Provide visionary leadership to the Veterinary Wildlife Research Centre;
Develop and lead high-impact research programs in wildlife health and conservation;
Address veterinary challenges related to climate change, land use change, and emerging diseases;
Engage with the local wildlife industry to support sustainable and health-conscious animal management practices;
Investigate and guide policy on animal movement, translocation, and disease risk mitigation;
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across veterinary, ecological, and conservation sciences;
Supervise postgraduate students and mentor early-career researchers;
Secure external research funding and manage large-scale projects;
Publish in high-impact journals and contribute to national and international policy dialogues; and
Promote capacity building and knowledge transfer in wildlife veterinary science.
Minimum Requirements:
Associate Professor
A PhD in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Health, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field;
A strong research portfolio with evidence of leadership in wildlife veterinary research;
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful grant acquisition; and
Evidence of successful Master's supervision and evidence of Doctoral supervision.
Professor
A PhD in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Health, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field;
A strong research portfolio with evidence of leadership in wildlife veterinary research;
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful grant acquisition; and
Experience in supervising postgraduate students up to PhD-level and managing research teams.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR BOTH LEVELS (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
Commitment to advancing wildlife conservation through veterinary science;
Ability to engage with One Health concepts while maintaining a primary focus on animal health;
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; and
Strategic thinking and the ability to influence policy and practice.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES
A BVSc or equivalent veterinary qualification;
Experience working in African wildlife systems and interface disease dynamics;
Familiarity with climate change impacts, land use change, and emerging infectious diseases in wildlife;
Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and institutions;
Understanding of the South African wildlife industry, including game farming, animal movement regulations, and conservation policy; and
NRF-rating.
CLOSING DATE: 26 July 2026