Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer Biotechnology at Vaal University of Technology

Key performance areas include but are not limited to:

• Compile work schemes in collaboration with colleagues
• Research and utilize new and emerging approaches and technology in teaching
• Professionally prepare teaching media and handouts to supplement or substitute prescribed textbooks.
• Research and select suitable reference material to supplement textbooks
• Facilitate an effective teaching situation in which the learning experience can take place successfully.
• Upgrade course content/ develop new courses and/or modules in order to keep up with the latest requirements of the discipline
• Manage student and peer evaluations of teaching performance and application of appropriate assessment methods
• Participate in external examining and invitations to teach externally and contribute to curriculum development
• Contribute to community engagement initiatives and Integrate interventions into curriculum and research engagements
• Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities
• Participate in curriculum review and the development of new courses/modules to ensure alignment with sector/discipline norms and requirements
• Revise and submit programmes for accreditation by relevant accreditation bodies
• Identify students at risk timeously, develop intervention strategies, provide counselling to students and monitor student progress
• Contribute to Quality Assurance through committee meetings and submission of relevant documents
• Monitor the impact of QA recommendations within the faculty/department and implement appropriate interventions
• Contribute to policy making
• Set annual objectives pertaining to academic programmes and participate in the review of teaching, research, community engagement and academic administration objectives
• Contribute to the development of academic related decision-making, participate and chair departmental committees
• Act as programme leader, mentor and coach, manage tutor activities, keep attendance registers, record student results, assist with the registration of students, and supervise tests and examinations
• Manage marketing of programmes and aspects of open/careers days
• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc. whilst keeping abreast of developments in professional conduct at VUT
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate) and engage in current professional development activities
• Prepare development plan for promotion to the next level, within stipulated time frame
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops and present research study papers at conferences

Qualification and Experience:

• Doctoral degree (or NQF level 10 equivalent) in Biotechnology (Biochemistry background will be advantageous)
• At least 3 years work experience in key areas of teaching and learning theory and practice in a higher education context.
• Experience in an academic development environment is recommended
• Capability to raise research grants is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of learning, teaching and assessment practices
• Contribution in research and publication record in the last 3 years
• Sound record of student supervision in the last 3 years