Department: Natural Sciences: 2X Lecturer-Chemistry at Vaal University of Technology

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The incumbent will be expected to contribute across teaching, research, community engagement, and academic administration. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Teaching and Learning

• Compile work schemes in collaboration with colleagues.
• Professionally prepare teaching media, handouts, and reference materials to supplement prescribed textbooks.
• Facilitate effective learning experiences using contemporary teaching approaches and technology.
• Upgrade course content and develop new courses/modules to meet evolving disciplinary requirements.
• Identify at-risk students, design interventions, provide counselling support, and monitor progress.
• Manage student and peer evaluations of teaching performance and apply appropriate assessment methods.
• Act as programme leader, mentor, and coach; supervise tutors; manage attendance registers, student results, registration, tests, and examinations.

Research and Scholarship

• Conduct research, publish in recognised outlets, and present papers at conferences.
• Act as a study leader and supervise research students.
• Seek external research funding and grants.
• Remain current with developments in the field and integrate emerging approaches into teaching and research.
• Community Engagement and Professional Practice
• Contribute to community engagement initiatives and integrate them into curriculum and research.
• Report on involvement in professional, industry, and/or community activities.
• Maintain professional membership (where appropriate) and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Represent the institution at careers/open days and contribute to programme marketing.

Curriculum and Quality Assurance

• Participate in curriculum review and development to ensure alignment with sector norms and accreditation requirements.
• Revise and submit programmes for accreditation by relevant bodies.
• Contribute to quality assurance processes, committee work, and implementation of recommendations.
• Monitor impact of QA interventions within the faculty/department.

Leadership, Governance and Administration

• Contribute to departmental policymaking and academic decision-making.
• Set annual objectives for teaching, research, community engagement, and administration.
• Participate in and chair departmental committees.
• Prepare reports and consult with relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and implement a development plan for career progression.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:
Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree (NQF level 9 or equivalent) in Chemistry.
• Minimum of two years’ work experience in teaching and learning theory and practice within a higher education context.
• Experience in an academic development environment, particularly in professional development, will be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of contemporary learning, teaching, and assessment practices.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with faculty colleagues.
• Capacity to adapt to the diverse learning needs of adult learners.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict management, communication (verbal and written), report writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail with sound organisational, administrative, and management skills.
• Self-driven, with proven ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Competence in using technology to engage with students and staff and to support learning.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 27 October 2025