Associate Professor: Visual Arts at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB
The Department of Visual Art seeks a visual art theoretician with a sound academic publishing record to assist in bolstering the Departments theoretical sustainability and development.

The purpose of this post is to take responsibility for managing and developing theoretical and practice-based research endeavors at under- and postgraduate level within the Department of Visual Arts, fueling the throughput of PhD students the School aims to take on in the near future. These Masters and PhD research undertakings should target bringing with them elevated levels of academic publications, conference papers and book chapters along the student’s/researcher’s journey to graduation.

Furthermore, the position will fulfil a pivotal role in underpinning theoretical learning and teaching opportunities at foundation/first year levels.   

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Co-development, management and delivery of the of theoretical modules at undergraduate, Honours, Masters and Doctoral levels.
• Co-development and delivery of lectures in Visual Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies modules at under and postgraduate levels.
• Supervision of postgraduate students at Honours, Masters and Doctoral levels.
• Conduct research and contribute to the growth of the Department’s creative and theoretical output portfolio by sustaining and generating accredited academic publications.
• Perform a pivotal role at underpinning the process of theoretical development especially at introductory/first year levels of learning and teaching.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Sound knowledge of visual art, performance and media as it pertains to art, design, fashion, and performance culture,
•  Sound knowledge of critical discourses in art/design practices from a local and international perspective,
• Research specialisation in either/or: art/design theory, transdisciplinary thinking and practice or curatorship,
• Ability to develop and innovate course content so as to keep programmes relevant and current,
• Experience of teaching and learning methodologies relevant to arts practices,
• Computer literacies commensurate with the requirements of all forms of lecture delivery, academic administration and gallery, art archive and studio/performance management,
• Establish engagement practice and networks through liaison with professionals, peers and the creative arts industry, and
• Experience of initiating and contributing to community engagement programmes in the arts with emphasis on generating further research opportunities.  
   

REQUIREMENTS

• Required minimum education & experience: Doctorate Degree in the relevant discipline and extensive experience and expertise.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in either teaching/lecturing/research experience in the relevant field or discipline at least five of which must be in postgraduate teaching, research and engagement.