Lecturer (Faculty of Science: Department of Chemical Sciences) at University of Johannesburg

Job Description:

• The Department of Chemical Sciences is an academic unit within the Faculty of Science, situated on both the Auckland Park Campus (APK) in Auckland Park, and the Doornfontein campus (DFC) in Johannesburg. The Department of Chemical Sciences seeks a Lecturer to join the Analytical Chemistry cluster. The successful candidate will be actively involved in teaching, research, and academic administration at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

Responsibilities:

• Be actively involved in core activities of the department such as teaching, research, academic administration, short-course development, marketing, and community engagement projects.
• Assume responsibility to teach modules (theory and/or practical) enlisted for the Analytical Chemistry undergraduate programme in the Department.  
• The incumbent will also be expected to participate in curriculum development and teach modules in postgraduate programmes.
• Annually publish peer-reviewed papers in accredited scientific and/or academic journals, and deliver papers at national and international conferences, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• Actively supervise postgraduate students.
• Obtain research funding from external funding bodies.
• Perform administrative and ad hoc duties as required by the Department.

Minimum requirements

• MSc in Chemistry with specialisation in Analytical Chemistry. PhD will be an advantage.
• The candidate must be able to teach general chemistry and Analytical Chemistry at all levels.
• Undertaking research, presenting and publishing the results.
• Experience in teaching at undergraduate level and handle large classes (100 – 500).
• Experience in preparing and delivering undergraduate practical laboratory sessions, especially classical wet Analytical Chemistry methods.
• Good knowledge and expertise in analytical instruments/techniques. Operation and knowledge of 2D GC/MS will be an advantage.  
• Experience in designing, executing and evaluating assessments.
• Demonstrate potential in supervising postgraduate students.
• Demonstrate potential to build own research group.
• Strong commitment to good teaching and research.
• Sound communication skills in English.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes 

• Excellent written and verbal and communication skills in English.
• Excellent teaching skills.
• Excellent computer skills and demonstrated competency in Excel.
• Good planning and organizational skills with ability to execute planned tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills that supports collaboration with others and working as a team member.
• Ability to apply relevant skills in addressing chemistry problems.
• Ability to function under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Working conditions and Expectations:

• Based in a private or semi-private office within a climate-controlled building, with consistent artificial lighting and varying levels of natural light depending on office location.
• Extended periods of desk-based work with frequent computer use for lecture preparation, academic writing, research supervision, marking, and communication with students and colleagues.
• Frequent prolonged standing and walking during lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and student consultations, particularly within chemistry laboratories or fieldwork settings.
• Regular interaction with undergraduate and postgraduate students, requiring strong classroom management, technical communication skills, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning needs.
• Minimal physical exertion outside of teaching, research, or field activities; may occasionally carry light materials, e.g. laboratory tools, or teaching equipment between venues or campuses (typically less than 10kg).
• Generally quiet working environment in office and laboratory spaces, with higher noise levels possible during practical sessions, workshops, or student demonstrations.
• An understanding of the confidential nature of academic work, including examination materials, research data, intellectual property, and student records.
• May be required to travel between campuses and laboratories for teaching, research collaboration, or academic events.
• High-volume workload with strict deadlines during assessment periods, research submissions, and conference preparations, occasionally requiring extended hours for grading or data analysis.
• Attendance of departmental meetings, academic conferences, field excursions, symposia, and graduation ceremonies, sometimes outside standard working hours.
• May be required to work beyond normal office hours to accommodate evening lectures, laboratory supervision, research activities, or collaboration with international research partners across time zones.

Deadline:6th September,2026