Professor In Musicology/ethnomusicology

Job Description

• The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top Universities in South Africa and in the top 500 Universities globally. The School of Arts is well established with a strong research profile and has a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• The Music Programme within the Music, Drama and Performance Discipline in the School of Arts enjoys a distinguished international reputation for its diverse, vibrant engagement across multiple streams including African Music and Dance, Western Classical Music, Opera Choral Studies and Jazz and Popular Music.
• The successful candidate will provide high-level academic leadership, spearhead impactful research initiatives, and champion innovative curriculum design. This role is ideal for a scholar who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is passionate about exploring global and local music histories, popular music studies, and the socio-cultural fabric of contemporary performance.
• The incumbent will teach core and specialised modules, mentor junior faculty, and serve in various leadership roles at the University.
• The Incumbent will report to the Head of Discipline: Music, Drama & Performance

Minimum requirements

• A PhD degree in Historical Studies, or related discipline
• At least 9 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or the creative industries
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level of Professor
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants or creative project funding.
• A sustained track record of successful supervision and graduation of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD level, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department / School/ College/ University, which includes mentorship and coaching

The closing date of application is 13 November 2026.