Lecturer: Plant Breeding at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Provide formal teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Plant Breeding.
• Expand the current research niche area in Plant Breeding focussing mainly on wheat disease resistance molecular plant breeding.
• Initiate and conduct externally funded high-level research in abovementioned field.
• Ensure active involvement in research by publishing research outputs in accredited scientific national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for postgraduate students.
• Perform general administration duties as applicable at university level.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the faculty.

Inherent requirements:

• Lecturer
• A PhD in Plant Breeding or related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment) 

Or

• Master’s degree in Plant Breeding or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Plant Breeding or related discipline MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position). 
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Recommendations:

• A minimum of 2 years Plant Breeding lecturing experience.
• Experience in the supervision of master’s and doctoral students.
• Experience in disease resistance marker-assisted breeding in wheat.
• Experience in using horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as well as KASP SNPline instruments.
• Experience in managing a molecular plant breeding laboratory.

Required competencies: 

Results oriented;

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking;

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading;.

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

Building coalitions:

• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.