AssociateP6 /Professor P5 : Data Science at Sol Plaatje University

Minimum Requirements 

Associate Professor 

• PhD/Doctorate in computer science, mathematical science, statistics or Engineering with expertise and current research focus in the field of Data science.
• At least eight (8) years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in teaching and learning, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement

Professor 

• PhD/Doctorate in computer science, mathematical science,statistics or Engineering with expertise and current research focus in the field of Data science.
• At least ten years relevant experience.
• Proven track record in teaching, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement.
• Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral level.
• Five years relevant academic management and leadership experience.
• Evidence of successful curriculum development.
• High academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility amongst peers.
• Strategic planning and implementation experience.
• 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 in order 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

Research projects

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Manage projects to achieve objectives.
• 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 in order 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 school and interdisciplinary teams to continually identify prospects (corporates, trusts, foundations, individuals) as well as high-profile ‘door-openers’ for SPU’s, as well as school 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 counseling 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.

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

• 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.