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University of the Witwatersrand

Ranked
sdgs/sdg overall
Sustainability Impact Rated
Johannesburg, South Africa
301–350th in World University Rankings 2026
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About the University of the Witwatersrand

Basic information and contact details for the University of the Witwatersrand

Commonly known as “Wits”, the University of the Witwatersrand developed out of the South African School of Mines, set up in Kimberley in 1896. The institution moved to Johannesburg in 1904 and acquired full university status in 1922. From the start, it embraced a philosophy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, which led to intense conflict with the government - including police raids and the detention of both faculty and students - during the apartheid era. 

Though located largely in the district of Braamfontein in central Johannesburg, a major expansion programme in the 1960s and 1970s saw the university establishing facilities in other areas of the city such as Hillbrow and Parktown. It also acquired two farms about 40 kilometres to the north-west, Sterkfontein and Swartkrans, which incorporate a celebrated set of limestone caves and have proved a rich source of archaeological remains.

Its location in Johannesburg means that Wits is close to the economic powerhouse of the whole African continent. It was one of the founders of the African Research Universities Alliance and has an active programme of collaborative projects right across Africa and beyond. Highly research-intensive, it has made a major contribution to applied areas such as healthcare and the challenges of deep-level mining but performs strongly in subatomic physics and other fields of fundamental science.

The most famous alumnus of the university is Nelson Mandela, who studied law there and went on to become President of South Africa and the 1993 Nobel laureate for peace. The novelist Nadine Gordimer (Nobel Prize for Literature, 1991) also attended for a year, while Aaron Klug (Nobel Prize for Chemistry, 1982) and Sydney Brenner (Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2002) both took their first degrees at Wits.

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of the Witwatersrand

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
60 F : 40 M (1)
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International student percentage
6% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
22.4 (1)
student
Student total
26928 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026

Jobs you might be interested in

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AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Agricultural Microbial Biotechnology

MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Morocco

institution

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Morocco


AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Agricultural Microbial Biotechnology About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally. About AgroBioSciences (AgBS): The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the Science & Technology pole of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of higher education and practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges by leveraging up-to-date science and technology. The AgroBiosciences Program Research Center leverages up-to-date technologies to address African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center that aims to conduct relevant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts African agriculture. It is based on the collaboration and synergy of several research programs targeting diverse disciplines of research in agriculture, such as  Microbiome, Omics, Plant Physiology and Crop Improvement, Plant Pathology, By-products Valorization, Soil Sciences, Agronomy, and Sustainable Farming… Job / Project description:  1 year (renewal is possible), Desirable start date: September 1st, 2026.  About the position The increased demand for food and its reliance on agricultural inputs exert great pressure on agri-food supply chains and call for more sustainable and effective food production systems. Although the key contribution of mineral fertilizers (N and P) to sustain crop production, the plants root plasticity, rhizosphere microbial activities and their interactions play a pivotal role in enhanced nutrient acquisition and crop productivity through a range of beneficial plant-growth-promoting traits (N fixation, phytohormones production, P, K and Zn solubilization, etc.). Improving our understanding of rhizosphere processes (exudation of organic acids and phosphatases) including root plasticity and root-associated beneficial microbes is a must for achieving stable crop productivity in a sustainable way. In that regard, there is an urgent need to double the ongoing efforts for developing innovative and sustainable solutions to increase crop production. Hence, exploring the diversity and functioning of soil microbial resources capable of improving nutrients use efficiency and tolerating harsh conditions, could be an effectively integrated nutrient management approach allowing higher yield and nutrient acquisition efficiency.  The successful candidate will significantly contribute to specific, but in-depth, research activities related to root-soil-nutrient-microbe interaction by studying soil microbial modifications particularly related to soil N and P dynamics, molecular and physiological “microbial and plant” traits that significantly influence the biological nutrient acquisition (including biological N2 fixation)  and crop growth/yield improvement.  Key responsibilities:  The successful candidate will be expected to:   •    Design and conduct Lab, greenhouse and field experiments.  •    Perform soil-plant-microbe “biochemistry, molecular and genomic” analyses.  •    Collaborate with other researchers in the team and beyond. •    Co-Supervise graduate and undergraduate students.  •    Contribute to teaching activities or other transversal training. •    Disseminate research outcomes through participation in scientific events and publish in leading international journals.  Desired skills and experiences: •    PhD in plant-soil microbiology, molecular microbiology, or related fields.  •    Strong knowledge of plant-soil-microbe interactions, nodule and root physiology, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. •    Understanding of soil biogeochemical processes with special emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics and nutrient-facilitation rhizosphere processes •    Outstanding publication record in leading international journals  •    Experience in supervising students  •    Fluency in spoken English and proficiency in academic writing. •    Aptitude for teamwork, problem solving skills and collaborative relationships.   •    Experience working in a collaborative research environment and willingness to work within a multidisciplinary group.

Salary

Competitive

Posted

7 Jul 2026

Head of IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM

University College Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

institution

University College Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham


Salary: £48,822 - £56,535 per annum Contractual hours: 37 Basis: Full Time Package: Full details can be found here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/about-us/work-for-us/rewards-and-benefits/ Job category/type: Academic, IT, Professional ServicesJob Reference: REQ000580 Attachments: attachmentHead of IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security - JDPS - July 26.pdf University College Birmingham is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning and innovation. With a diverse and growing community of students and staff, we are committed to delivering outstanding digital services that empower learning, collaboration, and discovery. As we continue to expand our digital capabilities, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security to lead the strategic development, resilience, and security of our technology environment. The role will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, availability, and security of the University’s digital infrastructure, driving forward a programme of continuous improvement, innovation, and cyber resilience. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience of working as a leader within IT Services roles, with strong technical expertise in infrastructure and networking, managed and lead on transformational projects and change across institutions. Standard Information UCB is an equal opportunities employer. University College Birmingham is proud to be TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating UCB has achieved the Investors in Diversity Bronze Award. You may need to obtain permission to work in the UK if you don’t already have the unrestricted right to work in any role. There are various types of visa which include the right to work. You can check if you need a UK visa using the Government’s online tool and find information about UK visa routes and the eligibility criteria that must be met for each route Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). All staff are required to prove their right to work in the UK before they start work. All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to commencement. All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.

Salary

£48,822 - £56,535 per annum

Posted

8 Jul 2026

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)

The Australian National University

Australia, Canberra

institution

The Australian National University

Australia, Canberra


Classification: Academic Level B or C  Salary package: $124,638 - $166,338 per annum plus 17% superannuation Term: Full-time, Continuing Position Description and Selection Criteria:PD&PEWER_Level B.C_Lecturer.SeniorLecturer_RSES_COSM_2026.pdf The Position The Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) is seeking to appoint a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Critical Minerals, Geochemistry and Experimental Petrology. This continuing academic position is central to RSES’s strategic growth in critical minerals and critical resources. The appointee will develop an internationally recognised research program focused on the fundamental processes that control critical metal behaviour, mobility, concentration and preservation in Earth materials. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work uses experimental and/or analytical approaches to understand metal behaviour, transport and concentration in melts, fluids and rocks, especially at high pressures and temperatures relevant to uppermost mantle and lower-crustal conditions. The position will strengthen and renew RSES’s capability in geochemistry and experimental petrology, while making use of the School’s cutting-edge experimental, analytical, field, geophysical and geodynamic expertise. The appointee will be expected to publish high-quality research, attract external funding, build national and international collaborations, and supervise students at undergraduate, Honours, Masters and HDR levels. The role will also make an important contribution to the School’s emerging education strategy in critical resources. The appointee will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including geological curricula, practical classes, laboratory-based teaching, field-based education, and the development of linked Honours and Masters streams in critical resources. The Person The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Earth sciences or a closely related field, with expertise in experimental petrology, analytical inorganic geochemistry, high-pressure and high-temperature experimentation, or related approaches relevant to critical mineral systems. For appointment at Level B, the candidate will have an emerging international research profile, evidence of high-quality publications, and demonstrated capacity to develop an independent research program. For appointment at Level C, the candidate will have a strong and growing international profile, a record of research leadership, evidence of competitive external funding, and the capacity to provide academic leadership within the School. The successful candidate will be collegial, ambitious and collaborative, with a commitment to research excellence, high-quality teaching, student supervision, field and laboratory-based education, and respectful engagement with staff, students, industry and government partners. The School The Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) is Australia’s leading centre for Earth and marine research. RSES has a long tradition of excellence in addressing major challenges in Earth science, including the formation of critical mineral systems, the evolution and dynamics of the solid Earth, ocean and climate processes, environmental change, geohazards, and the sustainable use of Earth resources. RSES hosts world-class experimental, analytical, computational, geophysical, geodynamic and field-based capabilities, and provides a highly collaborative environment for research-led education. The School is entering a period of strategic renewal, with critical minerals and critical resources forming a major area of growth across research, education, industry engagement and national capability. The College The ANU College of Science and Medicine encompasses the disciplines of: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment and Society, Mathematics, Physics, and Science Communication and is also home to a number of cross-disciplinary and specialist Institutes and Centres. Staff and students within the ANU College of Science and Medicine conduct research and deliver a research-led education program that encompasses the breadth of the sciences, supported by extensive international networks and by world-class facilities.  To find out more about the Science at ANU community, follow us on social media at Instagram and Facebook For further information please contact, Professor Rhodri Davies, Director, RSES, E: Director.rses@anu.edu.au  The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion. Application information In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents: A statement addressing the selection criteria. A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. Other documents, if required. Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position. Please note: The preferred candidate will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.  Closing date: Thursday 2 August 2026, 11:55PM (AEST)

Salary

$124,638 - $166,338 per annum plus 17% super

Posted

8 Jul 2026

Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) in the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS)

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 536774 Work type: Full-time Department: The Swire Institute of Marine Science (25401) Categories: Senior Research Staff & Post-doctoral Fellow Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) in the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS Applications are invited for appointment as Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) in the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), to commence on or before September 1, 2026, for three years, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and future funding. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in marine ecology, marine biology, biogeochemistry, geochemistry, environmental science, or a related discipline. They should have strong research experience in field-based marine ecology, including leading or coordinating marine or coastal fieldwork, and demonstrated experience with marine restoration ecology. A track record of question-driven research, as evidenced by publications or other research outputs commensurate with career stage, is expected. The successful candidate should have excellent communication, organizational and collaborative skills, and be able to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team of researchers and students. The appointee will join an active research group at SWIMS working on marine ecosystem restoration, with a particular focus on developing novel technologies for habitat rehabilitation, environmental engineering, monitoring, and validation. They will play a leading role in coordinating a team of principle investigators with expertise in oyster reef, coral reef, seagrass and seaweed cultivation and restoration. Duties will include coordinating and leading fieldwork in marine and coastal ecosystems, and carry out sample collection, processing and laboratory analyses. They will lead data analysis and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, reports and grant proposals. The appointee will oversee junior research staff and research assistants, and will contribute to the supervision and mentoring of students involved in related projects. Example research focal areas such as materials science and engineering, blue carbon accounting, quantifying ecosystem functioning etc. are welcome, as are other innovative ideas that complement and extend existing work within SWIMS. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax in Hong Kong does not exceed 15% of gross income. The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s Careers site and upload an up-to-date C.V., a 2-3 page cover or motivation letter describing research interests, skills and career plans, and the names and contact details of 2–3 referees. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until August 31st, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. For further information about the post, please contact Prof. David Baker at dmbaker@hku.hk. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

7 Jul 2026

Assistant Lecturer in Speech-Language Pathology in the Faculty of Education

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

institution

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong


Ref.: 536762 Work type: Full-time Department: Faculty of Education (10000) Categories: Teaching Staff Assistant Lecturer in Speech-Language Pathology in the Faculty of Education (Ref.:536762) We now invite applications for appointment as Assistant Lecturer in Speech-Language Pathology in the Faculty of Education. Duties and Responsibilities The appointee will be responsible for providing clinical supervision and teaching students in the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology programme. He/She will also be involved in the administration and knowledge exchange activities of the programme. Essential Requirements Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree or above, a recognized professional qualification in Speech Therapy, and at least 5 years’ post-qualification clinical experience as a speech therapist. They should have a good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (including Cantonese) as well as good communication and interpersonal skills.  Desirable Attributes Preference will be given to those who have strong experience working in pediatric speech, language, and communication disorders with experience and interest in clinical education; and work or clinical supervision experience in non-local clinical settings. What We Offer The appointment will be made on fixed-term contract for 2 years, to commence on September 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the possibility of renewal. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totaling up to 10% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and professional leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries. How to Apply The University only accepts online application for the above post. Applicants should apply online at the University’s careers site (https://jobs.hku.hk) and upload a cover letter, an up-to-date C.V. with the contact information of three referees. More information about the Faculty and the programme can be found at https://web.edu.hku.hk/ and https://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/bsslp_6157. For further details, please contact Professor Estella Ma, Clinical Education Director in the Academic Unit of Human Communication, Learning, and Development (email: estella.ma@hku.hk or tel.: 3917 7625). Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until August 2, 2026, or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier. The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency

Salary

Competitive salary

Posted

7 Jul 2026

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Subjects Taught at the University of the Witwatersrand

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of the Witwatersrand

Arts and Humanities

  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Geography
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology