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: 

•    Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas of geospatial analysis and remote sensing and contribute to teaching within the broad field of environmental systems and/or human environment interactions.

•    Maintain an active research program leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals and other venues.

•    Recruit and supervise postgraduate Geography students.

•    Participate in department, school, and university committees as appropriate.

•    Source external third-stream income research funding from industry.

•    Perform general administration duties as applicable at university level.

•    Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean and Head of Department.

Inherent requirements:

•    A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field (for a permanent appointment). 

or 

•    A relevant Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or closely related field  MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position). 

•    Demonstrated geospatial modelling skills with proven experience in GIS systems and remote sensing analysis. 

•    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.

•    A good academic record (attach).

Recommendations:

•    A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field.

•    Proven research record.

•    Experience in teaching and learning at university level.

•    Demonstrated research experience in geospatial science as evidenced by a record of publication (Poster or Oral Presentations at conferences or equivalent activities) and external funding.

•    Preference will be given to applicants with previous University teaching experience linked to modelling within GIS and remote sensing software.

•    Background in R, IDL, Python or other programming language suitable for scientific computing.

•    Potential to teach effective upper-level courses related to GIS, RS and geospatial analysis.

•    Potential for excellence in graduate instruction and mentoring.

•    Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to function with ease in the University parallel-medium and multicultural working environment.

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 plan work and to follow plans.

-    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 sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

-    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

01 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter 

Closing date:

 06 July 2026

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

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 7659 or email  SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za  or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 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.