KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:      

•    A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

•    Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).

•    A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

•    Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities: 

•    Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology.

•    Provide supervision to postgraduate students (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels).

•    Establish a research group with external funds in their fields of specialisation.

•    Publish research outputs in accredited national and international peer-reviewed journals.

•    Contribute to curriculum development within the department.

•    Perform general administration duties.

•    Take part in community development activities.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

•    A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/ Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology (for a permanent appointment) 

or

•    Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Botany/ Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/ Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment). 

•    Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.

•    Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.

•    Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.

Senior Lecturer

•    PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology 

•    Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.

•    Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.

•    Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.

•    An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.

•    Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.

•    A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals. 

•    Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at Higher Education levels.

Recommendations:

•    Active involvement in Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology research.

•    Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in teaching Plant Physiology/ Plant Biochemistry/ Plant Molecular Biology/ Plant Biotechnology at Higher Education level.

•    Member of or registration at a professional body.

•    Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.

 

Required competencies:  

•    Results Orientated:

-    The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.

-    The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 

•    Strategic Thinking:

-    The ability to deal with several activities at a time.

-    The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

•    Business Acumen:

-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.

-    Proficient in using MS Office.

•    Leading:

-    The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

-    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

•    Building Coalitions:

-    The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

-    The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Assumption of duties:

01 June 2026

Closing date:

23 March 2026     

Salary:

The salary is available on request.tel: 051 401 2558

Fringe benefits: 

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 /2979    for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:  ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.