Senior Lecturer (Permanent) & Rotational Head of Department at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Job Purpose

Head of Department

• The Rotational Head of Department must take a leadership role within the Department of Ophthalmic Sciences for managing, leading and providing direction to a team of academics and support staff. The HoD has the primary responsibility for the realisation of the business strategy in the higher education environment through the delivery of initiatives to deliver efficient and effective processes across the institution. To support the department in pursuit of its academic objectives which include: teaching according to a set syllabus, undertake research, supervise PG research, contribute to curriculum development, as well as the engagement in work-integrated learning and community engagement activities. To ensure programmes meet the regulatory requirements of the HPCSA.  In addition to meeting the core academic expectations, the incumbent should manage the department effectively and efficiently, in line with the CPUT policies and procedures including but not limited to academic leadership,  research management;  HR and staff management:  financial management:  student management.

Senior Lecturer

• The purpose of the job is to lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate students according to set syllabus, to contribute academic leadership in the Department and Faculty. The position will require quality review of the curriculum and implementation, and assessment on programmes offered aligned to policy. The incumbent will ensure the programmes offered meet the Health Professions Council of South Africa requirements, liaise with industry stakeholders, coordinate WIL placements, engage in community service-learning projects, conduct and publish research in the field.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Minimum requirements: Senior Lecturer (Permanent)

• A relevant doctoral qualification in Ophthalmic Sciences.
• Independent registration and in good standing with the HPCSA as an Optometrist or Dispensing Optician.
• At least four (4) years' relevant lecturing experience in higher education.
• Track record of successful postgraduate supervision
• Evidence of appropriate academic and research leadership.

(The selection panel’s recommendation and assessment will be aligned with the institutional promotions criteria)

Recommendations:

• The 4 years mentioned above must preferably include 2 years' experience in the Department's specialised field as well as management experience related to the functions of an HOD (i.e., academic management; curriculum development; quality assurance and accreditation processes; financial and HR management in a department).
• Research, publications, and supervision experience commensurate with the level of Lecturer or above.

Minimum Requirements: Head of Department (5-year Rotational Contract)

• A relevant doctoral qualification in Ophthalmic Sciences.
• Independent registration and in good standing with the HPCSA as an Optometrist or Dispensing Optician.
• At least five (5) years’ relevant experience of which three (3) years must be as a Senior Lecturer or above.
• The five (5) years mentioned above must include 2 years' experience in the Department's specialised field as well as 2 years' management experience related to the functions of an HOD (i.e., academic management; curriculum development; quality assurance and accreditation processes; financial and HR management in a department).
• Research, publications and supervision experience commensurate with the level of Senior Lecturer or above

Please Note: The appointment will be made in line with the Rotational HOD guidelines.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

Head of Department

• Aligning performance of the department to faculty and institutional directives.
• Academic leadership.
• Academic management and administration.
• Curriculum and postgraduate programme development and design.
• Quality assurance.
• Financial and human resource management.
• Conflict resolution.
• Change management.
• Project management.
• Strategically positioning and maintaining the visibility of the department internally and externally.
• Maximising education and research opportunities in an exciting and growing field.
• Building partnerships with industry, community, health departments and other higher education institutions.

Senior Lecturer

• Teaching and learning.
• Research and Innovation capacity building.
• Participate in curriculum development of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
• Preparation and participation in quality assurance and professional body accreditations.
• Successful recruitment and supervision of postgraduate students.
• Successful sourcing of external national and international funding.
• Develop and maintain national and international industry linkages.

Competencies

• Progressive and dynamic leadership qualities.
• Strong learner focus.
• Proficiency in MS office and institutional Learner Management System.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Have a keen interest in quality assurance.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise academic activities related to the department up to doctoral level.
• Strategic decision making.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Versatility and flexibility.
• Coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Keeping up to date with advanced technology in the imaging, therapeutic and related sciences, current trends in the higher education sphere and challenges in health care.
• Keen interest in a responsive curriculum and student attributes.

General Information

Closing date: 19 July 2026