Professor / Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science -  

(Grade: P/AP/SL)

Department of Environmental Science

The Department of Environmental Science invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for disseminating knowledge (teaching and learning), creating knowledge (research), and community engagement, recognizing differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty, and/or University level and contribute to their profession.

In addition, a Professor and Associate Professor provide academic leadership in teaching and learning, research, and community engagement and contribute towards the institution's governance. This leadership contribution of the Professor should be evidenced at the departmental, Faculty and institutional levels.

The Requirements

• At least a PhD in Environmental Science or related Biological, Social or Economic subject with a focus on the nature and complexity of human-environmental interactions. Candidates must have an appropriate research track record in Environmental Science or related fields. 
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is required.
• Experience in teaching Environmental Science and the social dimensions of social-ecological systems science is required.
• Research supervision from at least a Master’s degree to completion.
• Track record of research publications and research grant funding.
• Emerging national profile in the discipline.
• Proven track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles in teaching, assessment, research and community engagement.

• At least a PhD in Environmental Science or related Biological, Social or Economic subject with a focus on the nature and complexity of human-environmental interactions. Candidates must have an appropriate research track record in Environmental Science or related fields.
• Considerable teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Experience in teaching Environmental Science and the social dimensions of social-ecological systems science is required.
• Research supervision of Master’s and PhDs to completion.
• Track record of research publications and research grant funding.
• National and emerging international profile in the discipline. NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Proven track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles in teaching, assessment, research and community engagement.

• At least a PhD in Environmental Science or related Biological, Social or Economic subject with a focus on the nature and complexity of human-environmental interactions. Candidates must have an appropriate research track record in Environmental Science or related fields.
• Extensive teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Experience in teaching Environmental Science and the social dimensions of social-ecological systems science is required.
• Research supervision of Master’s and PhDs to completion.
• Track record of research publications and research grant funding.
• International profile in the discipline. NRF rating will be an added advantage.
• Proven track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles in teaching, assessment, research and community engagement.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV, and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system.  Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2026
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade P):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                                         R1 209 763

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):                          R1 546 213

 Remuneration per annum (Grade AP)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                                         R  987 607

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):                          R1 270 054

Remuneration per annum (Grade SL):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                                         R  826 322

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):                          R1 069 564

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 01 June 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.