Associate Professor: Physics at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and post-graduate level courses in astrophysics and other general fields of physics. The applicant will also be expected to develop new academic and research programmes in astrophysics/radio astronomy and undertake research in their field of interest. A broad-based training in Physics with post-graduate specialisation in astrophysics/radio astronomy is an essential requirement for this position. Preference will be given to candidates with proven research experience in astrophysics/radioastronomy. The appointee will report to the Head of Department: Physical and Earth Sciences, and will be expected to contribute to the development and growth of the department.

Associate Professor

• PhD in Astronomy/Radio Astronomy or cognate field.
• At least ten (10) years of teaching experience at tertiary institutions.
• Proven track record of research excellence in the relevant field/discipline, evidence of a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed journal publications in ISI/DHET accredited journals, 
• Successful supervision (to completion) of post-graduate students at both master's and PhD level.
• Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding.
• NRF rating is strongly recommended.
• Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.

Duties and responsibilities 
Teaching and Learning

• Compile work schemes in collaboration with colleagues.
• Research and utilize new and emerging approaches and technology in teaching.
• The professional preparation of teaching media.
• The professional preparation of notes to supplement or substitute prescribed textbooks.
• Research and selection of suitable reference material to supplement textbooks.
• The facilitation of an effective teaching situation in which the learning experience can take place successfully.
• The upgrading of course content/ development of new courses and/or modules to keep up with the latest requirements of the discipline.
• Student and peer evaluations of teaching performance.
• Apply appropriate assessment methods.
• External examining and invitations to teach externally.

Research

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Commercialisation of research output.
• Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.
• Act as study leader of student/lecturer study groups.
• Publish research results.
• Membership of professional bodies to keep abreast of new developments.
• Fundraising and stewardship to donors.
• Explore fundraising opportunities for research projects.
• Work with advancement/grants department (including own team), as well as faculty and interdisciplinary teams to continually identify prospects (corporates, trusts, foundations, individuals) as well as high-profile ‘door-openers’ for SPU’s, as well as faculty research priority projects.
• Compile funding appeals/ proposals.
• Conduct regular evaluation of fundraising activities.
• Post-graduate supervision.
• Recruit prospective students.
• Supervise postgraduate students studying towards obtaining a qualification.
• Ensure that researchers keep abreast with the current research standards.

Community Engagement

• Contribute to community engagement initiatives.
• Integrate community engagement interventions into curriculum.
• Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities Curriculum.
• Development and Accreditation.
• Contributes to curriculum development.
• Participate in curriculum review and the development of new courses/modules to ensure alignment with sector/discipline norms and requirements.
• Review assessment methods for self and others.
• Revise and submit programmes for accreditation by relevant accreditation bodies Student Academic Development.
• Identify students at risk timeously.
• Develop intervention strategies.
• Provide counselling to students.
• Monitor student progress.
• Make necessary referrals for students, where needed.

Administration

• Keep attendance registers.
• Record student results.
• Assist with the registration of students.
• Supervise tests and examinations.
• Implement policies and procedures applicable to the teaching and learning, community engagement, research, SHE and academic administration functions.
• Participate and chair departmental committees.
• Manage marketing of programmes and aspects of open/careers days.

Quality Assurance

• Contribute to Quality Assurance through committee meetings and submission of relevant documents.
• Identify QA feedback mechanism within the school/department.
• Monitor the impact of QA recommendations within the school/department.
• Implement appropriate interventions Academic Management.
• Contributes to policy-making.
• Set annual objectives pertaining to academic programmes Participate in the review of teaching, research, community engagement and academic administration objectives.
• Contribute to the development of academic-related decision-making.
• Acts as programme leader, mentor and coach.
• Management of tutor activities.

Personal/ Professional Development

• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU.
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate)
• Engage in current professional development activities.
• Prepare development plan for promotion to the next level, within stipulated time frame.
• Ongoing development required by professional body.
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Present research study papers at conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

• Develop relevant reports as and when required.
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.