The University of Basel (Unibas) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) are jointly establishing a Professorship in Urban Studies which will be based in the African Centre for Cities (ACC) at UCT.

Corresponding to its long-standing interests in African Studies, and its concern with African cities as a crucial element of the urban future, Unibas will offer an interdisciplinary post-graduate degree in Urban and Landscape Studies starting 2016, with subsequent development of a PhD programme and a research portfolio. The appointee will be expected to participate in ongoing programme and portfolio development with Unibas, develop opportunities for interdisciplinary postgraduate urban studies teaching at UCT and contribute substantially to the ACC’s interdisciplinary work.

The appointee will be an established urban scholar, with a PhD in fields cognate to Urban Studies, expertise in Africa and familiarity with academic and policy debates in and about cities of the global South. S/he must be able to demonstrate academic leadership in the field of urban studies both nationally and internationally. The appointee will have an accomplished record of publication and research funding. Crucially, we are aiming to appoint someone with an outstanding record of formal teaching and student supervision as well as the ability to navigate university administrations. Strong interpersonal skills and agility on an international level are required.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing, teaching and providing oversight for the UCT component of the Unibas post-graduate Master and PhD programmes in South Africa.
• Promoting opportunities for interdisciplinary post-graduate urban studies teaching at UCT.
• Research and publication.
• Assuming a leadership role in the ACCs core research and advocacy work.

The appointment will be on UCT salary scales and conditions of service. The job is for an initial contract period of five years (renewable for a further two terms).

A postdoctoral fellowship will be confirmed once the successful candidate is appointed.

For more details click on ‘download paper’ below.