Senior Lecturer: Department Urban and Regional Planning (Job ID 6609) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Initiate, conduct and sustain quality research outputs in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Provide research leadership and mentorship to academic colleagues and postgraduate students.
• Teach and assess postgraduate students in relevant modules, including the development and delivery of learning materials, assessment activities and feedback to support student learning and academic progression.
• Provide study leadership at the postgraduate level.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external funding and collaborative research projects.
• Perform relevant academic and general administrative duties at departmental, faculty and University level. 

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD on NQF level 10 in Human Settlements, Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field.
• At least 5-10 publications in internationally recognised journals or relevant industry experience.
• 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:

• A demonstrated ability to source external research funding or grant opportunities.
• Proven lecturing or teaching experience

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

Results-oriented:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to maintain composure and self-control.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

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

Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

• 1 January 2026

Closing date:

• 22 October 2026