Senior Lecturer - Zoology P001150 at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• A Senior Lecturer is expected to make contributions to the teaching effort of the Department of Zoology and School of Biological Sciences. An academic 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 subject group, the incumbent will be required conduct research in the area of Herpetology (study of amphibians and reptiles), teach ecology at undergraduate level as well as modules within the BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences programmes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning:

• Support with teaching and learning of undergraduate and Honours modules with focus of applied biodiversity and conservation ecology.
• Conduct of tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Actively involved in the development of new courses where needed.
• Organise and lead official undergraduate and Honours field excursions.

 Research and Innovation:

• Initiate research projects and supervise postgraduate students.
• Conduct research, publish and engage in second, third and fifth-stream income generating projects.
• Coordinate and assist with student training on the amphibian collection of the subject group.
• Maintain academic scholarship and involvement in professional activities and contribute to professional organisations.

Social responsiveness and industrial involvement:

• Leading in community engagement activities/projects.
• To develop community-focused biodiversity and conservation projects.
• Participate in ongoing community engagement projects.

 Academic leadership, management, and administration:

• Assist add/or take proactive actions to develop and train students and members of the subject group.
• Serve on related research/ethics/integrity/management committees.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Zoology or Environmental Sciences with specialisation in Herpetology.
• A minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience at a tertiary level.
• Sound practical experience to lead students in work integrated learning and field excursions.
• Supervision of postgraduate students.
• Demonstrate evidence through lead authorship on research collaboration publications.
• Relevant work experience in herpetology and conservation ecology.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• Membership with 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 herpetology and conservation ecology.
• 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 taxonomy.
• Evidence of competency and accreditation in animal research ethics.
• Competency in biological sampling, specimen curation, and molecular analyses of samples.

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 the 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.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.

Apply by: 22 October 2025