Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (P001325) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor should be able to:

• make contributions to the teaching effort of the subject group Consumer Sciences and School of Applied Health Sciences.
• provide supervision to post graduate students, conduct research, and present undergraduate lectures and -practicals in the specialisation areas of Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management and/or Consumer Behaviour Studies.
• collaborate with various relevant role players in the industry.
• build on the existing strengths of the subject group and play a role in scholarship, research, and/or professional activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and learning, including postgraduate supervision

• Support with teaching and learning of undergraduate modules in the specialisation areas of Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management and/or Consumer Behaviour Studies.
• Supervising postgraduate students.
• Conduct of practical classes, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Actively involved in the development of new courses where needed.
• Organise and lead official undergraduate field excursions.

Research, innovation and/or creative outputs

• Initiate research projects in Foods and/or Food-related Consumer Research which will complement the current research focus.
• Apply and obtain grant funding.
• Conduct research, publish and attend Food- and Consumer Science conferences.
• Maintain academic scholarship and involvement in professional activities and contribute to professional organisations.

Academic leadership, management, and service to the University  

• Assists add/or take proactive actions to develop and train students and members of the subject group.
• Serve on related research/ ethics/ integrity/ faculty/ school/ management committees.
• The ability to handle general academic administration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player.
• The ability to serve as a mentor.

Social responsiveness

• Leading in community engagement activities/ projects.
• To develop community focused on Foods and/or Food-related Consumer projects.
• Participate in ongoing community engagement projects.
• Contribute to the development of collaboration with relevant roleplayers in the industry and other institutions to develop, support and maintain positive relationships, in partnership with the subject group.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD in Consumer Sciences or Food Sciences with specialisation in Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant research experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.
• A minimum of one (1) year relevant postgraduate student supervision experience in Food- and Consumer Sciences.

In addition to the above:

SENIOR LECTURER:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant teaching experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant teaching experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• NRF-rated or must be able to attain an NRF rating within the forthcoming five years.
• Membership with national and international learned scientific societies e.g., SAAFoST/ SAAFECS/ IFT/ IFHE.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Valid drivers' license.
• Computer literate with specific focus of Windows OS and Office 365.
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance.
• A proven commitment to teaching and learning, including a willingness to become involved in students’ educational development and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of modern platforms (to enhance the ongoing changing of the learning and collaboration environment).
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance in the fields of Food- and Consumer Sciences.
• Sound practical experience to lead students in work integrated learning and field excursions.
• 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 and PhD supervision will be an advantage).
• Record of national and international networking, collaboration, and recognition (e.g. NRF evaluation).
• Appropriate language and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to attract undergraduate and postgraduate students to the school.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work without supervision and solve problems as they arise.
• Ability to take initiative.
• The ability to solve problems independently.
• Evidence of leadership skills.
• Good interpersonal relations – Good human relations and a client service orientation.
• The ability to function well individually and as part of a team.
• Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as the ability to be self-driven.
• Good time management and problem-solving skills.
• Good planning and organising skills, as well as good scientific writing skills.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.

Apply by: 25 November 2025