Associate Professor M000259 at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences seeks to appoint a suitably qualified applicant to the permanent staff who will contribute actively to the training and education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in Biochemistry and to build the knowledge base of the discipline through teaching, research, academic leadership, mentoring, and community engagement.
• Administration of certain teaching activities within the discipline may also be required. Specialised research and teaching experience aligned with the teaching and research activities of the Biochemistry Subject Group, preferably in: Enzymology, Metabolism, Advanced Molecular Biology, Recombinant DNA, Introduction to Biochemistry and Principles of Biochemistry.
• Teach Biochemistry module and design practicals in collaboration with technicians and engage in research activities and community engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and learning:

• Teach courses as required.
• Quality assurance and management of teaching outputs.
• Drive and manage teaching and learning productivity and outputs.
• Enable technology and new developments to enhance the offering of courses.
• Drive and grow international collaboration.
• Manage and partake in student communication and support activities.
• Review and design academic curriculum.
• Developing study material and study guides.

Research:

• Carry out research and supervise postgraduate students.
• Conduct and supervise research projects as required
• Quality assurance and management of research outputs by staff and students.
• Recommend and guide academic development and capacity building to improve research outputs and manage and coordinate research grants and NRF ratings.
• Drive and grow international collaboration.
• Conduct own research and publication and maintain academic scholarship.
• Support research in the faculty and source external research funding
• Develop, initiate, and drive research proposals for external funding.
• Embark on innovative independent initiatives to obtain funding, facilities, and/or equipment to enable research output.
• Collaborate and build effective relationships for success model delivery.

Academic management and administration:

• Be involved in relevant community engagement projects.
• Participate in faculty and school committees.

Occupational health and safety:

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations to maintain a safe teaching and learning  environment.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement hazard control measures in laboratories and practical venues.
• Promote safety awareness and emergency preparedness through training, drills, and clear safety procedures.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD degree (NQF level 10) in Biochemistry.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in teaching and learning at university and developing scientific procedures and techniques used in a biochemistry Laboratory.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an active researcher (evident by progressing H-index or NRF rating).
• Membership with the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB).
• Proven track record of supervising Masters and/or PhD students.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of general biochemistry and human-related molecular
• Proven competency in basic molecular techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, Western blotting, in vitro assays, and in silico analysis.
• Ability to lecture on introductory and advanced biochemistry on a tertiary level, with a specific inclination towards teaching Enzymology and Metabolism, and principles of biochemistry.
• Capacity to learn various teaching philosophies and the ability to flawlessly adapt teaching and learning approaches when required.
• Excellent computer skills for teaching and learning, administration, and research dissemination.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to use e-media for teaching, studying and communication.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to function as part of the team and also in a multicultural environment.

Apply by: 24 March 2026