Lecturer: Plant Ecology (Contract Appointment: 4 years at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Vegetation Ecology, Plant Taxonomy and Systematics, and Advanced Biostatistics.
• Provide supervision to postgraduate students. 
• Actively conduct research in their field of specialisation.
• Synthesise knowledge through the publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed, DHET-accredited journals.
• Communicate research findings at scientific conferences.
• Source funding for research from international and national funding organisations.
• Participate actively in the professional community.
• Participate actively in leadership and administration at Departmental and Faculty level.
• Participate in various scholarly engagement opportunities at learning and teaching, research, community engagement, and/or in-service learning levels.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the department.
• Perform general administration duties.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/Plant Ecology/Plant Taxonomy and Systematics/Biological Invasions
• or
• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Botany/Plant Ecology/Plant Taxonomy and Systematics/Biological Invasions and registered or willing to register at the first available opportunity for a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/ Plant Ecology/ Plant Taxonomy and Systematics/ Biological Invasions (attach proof of registration if applicable).
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education at undergraduate level.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences in a relevant field.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• Proven experience in supervision of Honours/MSc/PhD students.

Recommendations:

• Active involvement in Botany/Plant Taxonomy and Systematics/ Biological Invasions research.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching Botany/ Plant Ecology/ Plant Taxonomy and Systematics/ Biological Invasions at tertiary level.
• Member of, or registration at, a professional body, such as a national or international scholarly society or committee.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

• Results Orientated
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

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

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Assumption of duties:

• 01 December 2026 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

• 25 September 2026