Lecturer Agricultural Sciences at Nelson Mandela University

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB
Are you looking for an exciting and challenging career in a rapidly transforming academic institution? Do you want to contribute towards developing young talent to stand their ground in a highly competitive and evolving agricultural sector internationally?

• The Agricultural Management Program at the North Campus of the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha needs your talent, passion, and commitment to strengthen our teaching and research in commercial ecological agriculture. A vacancy exists for a Lecturer in the School of Environmental Sciences, in the field of Plant Production / Agronomy / Agroecology. The purpose of this academic post is to teach and research at the interface of plant production science, agronomy, and agroecology, emphasizing the integration of management and science in an agricultural business context. The post will be best filled by a person who has the ability to teach and research across disciplines. If you have what it takes to serve the needs of our students, our region and the South African agricultural sector and your credentials meet the requirements of this position, we invite you to apply for this exciting new opportunity in our Department of Agricultural Sciences

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To teach undergraduate students in the Agricultural Management program in the broad fields of commercial sustainable crop production and agroecology and any other courses assigned to you by the Head of Department.
• To facilitate student learning at postgraduate level in commercial sustainable crop production and agroecology.
• To conduct, supervise and publish research relevant to crop production, agronomy, and agroecology.
• To engage with the agricultural industry in terms of consultation, teaching, and research.
• To perform administrative and management functions in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, as required by the Head of Department.
• To undertake curriculum development for new courses and participate in regular re-curriculation of modules and programme reviews.
• Acquiring research funding.
• Initiating community engagement projects and engaging in professional development activities.

Core Competencies & Requirements
COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate an understanding of agronomy and agriculture as an integrated and complex system and to work across disciplines within the agricultural business sector.
• A track record of networking with practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in agriculture to achieve results beneficial to society.
• A history of conducting applied research in agronomy including a track record of attracting research funding and published research results.
• Capacity and aptitude for teamwork and working with groups of people.
• Ability to be creative and innovative in the workplace.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Be able to collaborate with colleagues within and between departments and foster a constructive research dynamic in the discipline

Requirements

• A MSc in the field of Agronomy or Crop production or Agroecology.
• Evidence of knowledge and application of crop production principles in soil-plant-management interactions within a commercial land use enterprise
• At least 2- 3 years full-time teaching experience in Agronomy or Crop production or Agroecology at undergraduate and postgraduate level in both a face-to-face and an online / hybrid environment.
• A good supervision record at honours level

Added Advantage

NRF rating is an added advantage

• Relevant industry work experience outside an academic institution will be an added advantage.
• PhD in Agronomy or Crop production or Agroecology
• Evidence of attracting research funding and ability to initiate and manage research partnerships with external stakeholders (e.g., Industry, Government).