Senior Lecturer- Analyst (P000628) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION 

• The UESM has excellent, state-of-the art-analytical facilities and the continued specialist support through managing these facilities and developing methods is essential to maintain the position at the forefront in South Africa and the continent. The Analyst/Senior Lecturer is expected to make contributions to staff and student training in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.
• An academic/analyst at this level is also expected to play a role in scholarship, research, post graduate supervision and/or professional activities.
• To build on the existing strengths of the UESM, the incumbent will be required apply and develop analytical methods for the equipment in the analytical laboratory (i.e.LC-MS, GC-HRMS, GF-AAS, Hg-analysers) for biological systems, aquatic ecosystem health etc. with the main responsibility of the optimum management and utilization of the extensive environmental analytical equipment in the UESM.
• This includes the instrumentation needed for sample preparation, such as the freeze-drier, accelerated solvent extractor, and acid digester.
• The incumbent will also be involved in the training of staff, postdocs and postgraduate students to utilize the equipment in research.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Training, Teaching and Learning

• Conduct training, tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, and workshops using the various analytical equipment. 
• Actively involved in the development of new courses where needed.
• Initially the focus is on developing and establishing analytical methods using the available equipment. 
• Support with teaching and learning of Honours modules with focus on environmental health.
• Support, staff, Posdocs and PhD, MSc and honours students

Research and Innovation

• Maintain and operate the extensive analytical capacity that has been developed in the UESM.
• Support and train postgraduate students of the UESM in the analyses of environmental samples through the utilization of the extensive analytical infrastructure in the UESM. 
• Conduct research, publish and engage in second, third and fifth-stream income generating projects.
• Maintain academic scholarship and involvement in professional activities and contribute to professional organisations.

Social responsiveness and Industrial involvement

• Leading in community engagement activities/projects.
• Development of projects to benefit the community in relation to environmental health.
• Participate in ongoing community engagement projects.

OHS

• Ensure the occupational health and safety of all staff and students who will working in the analytical facility.

Academic leadership, management, and administration

• Assists add/or take proactive actions to develop and train students and members of the UESM.
• Serve on related research/ethics/integrity/management committees.
• Manage the running and maintenance of the functionalities of an environmental chemistry laboratory and chemistry store.

Minimum requirements

• A Doctoral (PhD) degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences with specialization in using chemical analytical equipment (e.g., LC-MS, GC-HRMS, GF-AAS, FIMS) and sample preparation methods (NQF level 10)
• A valid driver’s license.
• A minimum of 2 years’ relevant teaching experience at a tertiary level.
• A minimum of 3 years’ sound practical experience to lead students in work integrated learning and field excursion.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in independence and initiative in research.
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in ecological sampling and sound analytical proficiency of environment samples

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• An NRF rating.
• Membership and/or registration with relevant national and international learned scientific societies

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance in the fields of ecotoxicology and aquatic ecosystem health.
• A proven publication record in accredited scholarly journals – proven track record with first author collaborative publications.
• Evidence of supervising and successful completion post graduate students (M level).
• Record of national and international networking, collaboration, and recognition (e.g. NRF evaluation).
• Proficiency in advanced ecological biostatistical analyses.
• Evidence of competency and accreditation in research ethics.
• Competency in ecological sampling, inorganic and organic analyses of environmental samples.
• Competency in sample preparation for specific analytical approaches.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal relations.
• The ability to function well individually and as part of a team.
• Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as ability to be self-driven.
• The ability to solve problems independently.
• Good time management and problem-solving skills
• Good planning and organising skills as well as good scientific writing skills.

Apply by: 20 March 2026