Senior Lecturer (25 Hours Per Week)(Contract Appointment: 1 year) (Job ID: 6612) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Behavioural Ecology, Human Ecological Footprint and other ecology-focused modules in the Department.
• Provide supervision to postgraduate students as needed (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels).
• Publish research outputs in accredited national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the department.
• Perform general administrative duties.

Inherent requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Zoology/Ecology or related discipline.
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in Zoological or Ecological fields.
• Proven research experience in ecological research within the zoological sciences.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.

Recommendations:

• Proven experience in supervision of graduated MSc and/or PhD students.
• An NRF rating or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• 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 level.
• Active involvement in Zoological/Ecological research.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching Ecological and Zoological sciences at tertiary level.
• Member of or registration at a professional body (attach proof).
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based research.

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 be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

• 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

• 15 October 2026