Academic Director (Mathematical Sciences) - AIMS South Africa
About AIMS South Africa
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (South Africa) is a residential graduate mathematics institute in Muizenberg. We have around 90 taught Master’s students, as well as research-based Master’s and PhD students. Our research centre hosts postdoctoral fellows and other research staff. Our students are drawn from across Africa. AIMS relies on the support of visiting international lecturers, who usually stay on site with our students.
AIMS was founded in Cape Town in 2003 as a collaborative partnership between the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape to offer tailored graduate-level educational programmes, conduct cutting-edge research and to share mathematics with the wider community. AIMS is now a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training, research and educational public outreach in mathematical sciences. Four additional AIMS centres have been established in Senegal (2011), Ghana (2012), Cameroon (2013) and Rwanda (2016). To date, the AIMS network has graduated more than 3000 alumni from 42 African countries through its structured Master’s program.
Working at AIMS
AIMS offers a dynamic, international, and mission-driven academic environment. It is a close-knit residential community in which staff, students, and visiting lecturers interact daily. Many staff members have been part of the AIMS journey since its early years, contributing to a strong sense of continuity, institutional memory, and shared purpose.
Academic Structure at AIMS South Africa
Our 90 taught Master’s students are roughly divided into two focus areas; Mathematical Sciences (50 students) and Artificial Intelligence for Science (40 students). Each focus area is managed by a different academic director, and the two academic directors work together as a team to ensure a holistic and high level of training of students at AIMS.
Academic Director (Mathematical Sciences)
AIMS South Africa is seeking an Academic Director (Mathematical Sciences) to join its academic leadership team. This is a senior academic leadership position with substantial responsibility for shaping graduate-level mathematical sciences education at one of Africa’s leading scientific institutions.
The role combines strategic academic leadership, curriculum oversight, research engagement, and operational responsibility within a highly collaborative and international environment.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a PhD in the mathematical sciences
- Has substantial teaching experience at graduate and postgraduate level
- Thinks actively and strategically about advancing graduate mathematical education in Africa
- Maintains an active and credible research profile
- Can lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse academic community
- Enjoys working closely with students, teaching assistants, and visiting lecturers in a residential academic setting
- Can design and build innovative, high-quality academic training programmes
University experience at the level of Associate Professor or equivalent would be a strong asset.
International and African diaspora candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The Academic Director (Mathematical Sciences) is responsible for the academic leadership, effective operation, and continuous development of the Mathematical Sciences programme. Responsibilities include:
Academic Leadership and Curriculum Management
- Collaborate with academic peers to contribute to the ongoing growth, relevance, and quality of AIMS’ academic programme
- Provide direction and oversight to the academic community, including students, visiting lecturers, and teaching assistants
- Lead and participate in the selection and appointment of lecturers and teaching assistants, in collaboration with partner universities and other stakeholders
- Manage the established curriculum on a day-to-day basis, including scheduling and coordination of lectures, regular interaction with lecturers, students, and teaching assistants, and coordination with colleagues to support an effective learning environment
- Ensure that teaching and learning activities meet AIMS’ academic standards and align with its mission
- Attend and contribute to AIMS network-wide meetings with Academic Directors at other AIMS centres
Research Leadership and Academic Development
- Oversee students’ research projects, ensuring that proposed topics are academically sound and appropriate
- Ensure the production of high-quality research outputs by teaching assistants and academic staff under supervision
- Develop and pursue a research agenda at AIMS, including the initiation of research programmes, workshops, and thematic activities
- Foster a vibrant and supportive research culture within the Mathematical Sciences programme
Partnerships, Fundraising, and External Engagement
- Together with the Centre Director, the Academic Director (Artificial Intelligence), and AIMS researchers, identify, establish, and nurture relationships with national and international universities and institutions
- Provide academic input and support during project proposal development, fundraising initiatives, and the preparation of related documentation
- Contribute to fundraising and partnership-building activities, particularly through the development of funded exchange programmes for lecturers and students
- Act as an academic representative and ambassador for AIMS in relevant academic and international forums
Operations and Institutional Leadership
- As a senior manager at the Centre, participate in and contribute to the development of the Centre’s operational plans and budgeting processes
- Be a visible ambassador of AIMS’ organisational policies, values, and practices, taking corrective action with students, academic staff, or volunteers when required
- Liaise closely with the operations team to ensure that essential tools, systems, and resources are in place to support academic and learning objectives
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and well-functioning residential academic environment
Application Process
Prospective candidates must submit the following documents as one PDF file to vacancies@aims.ac.za:
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- A cover letter motivating the application
The closing date for applications is 28 February 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
