Lecturer/Senior Lecturer: Agronomy (Job ID: 5691) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Contribute actively to the teaching and research agenda of the agronomy section of the department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
• Teach undergraduate modules in the field of agronomy, as well as the supervision of research activities conducted by MSc and PhD students.
• Function as an independent researcher who sets up and carries out agronomic research activities and is able to attract research funding.
• Engage with a diversity of stakeholders, including academic collaborators, funding agencies, the industry and government.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

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

or

• Master’s degree in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10 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.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals. 
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Recommendations:

• The applicant should have expertise in Agronomy, or a closely related field supported by a convincing track record of scientific publications in internationally recognised journals.
• The applicant should have excellent practical research skills (design and implementation of greenhouse and field trials, data analysis skills, writing skills, etc.).
• The applicant should have sound understanding of South African crop production conditions and be able to work with the private sector by conducting research that responds to the needs of the sector.
• The applicant should be able to communicate well with students and have experience with lecturing undergraduate students and the supervision of MSc and PhD students.
• Expertise in one of the following fields is an advantage:
• Practical experience with the production and management of annual field crops.
• Weed science, the background of weed biology, chemical mode of action physiology and the management of weeds in crop production.
• Crop nutrition.
• Crop water management.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. 

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter. 
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• Copies of all academic records (applicable where inherently required).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).