Current Openings at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute actively and further advance the teaching and research agenda of the agrometeorology section in the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
• Be involved in the teaching of undergraduate modules in the field of agrometeorology and postgraduate modules in the field of climate change, as well as the supervision of research activities conducted by MSc and PhD students.
• Function as an independent researcher who sets up and carries out research activities that lead to relevant scientific outputs and contribute to advancing our knowledge in the field of meteorology, climate change and/or the impacts thereof on agriculture in South Africa and beyond.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD in Meteorology / Agrometeorology or related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment). or
• Master’s degree in Meteorology / Agrometeorology or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in Meteorology / Agrometeorology or related discipline on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Meteorology / Agrometeorology or related discipline on NQF Level 10.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• 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:

• The applicant should have expertise in Meteorology, Agrometeorology, or a closely related field, underpinned by a credible track record of scientific publications in internationally recognised journals.
• The applicant should have a broad set of research skills (for instance in setting up climate monitoring stations, climate data analysis, weather forecasting, climate modelling), and a flexible mindset to take advantage of the diverse opportunities in the filed of meteorology, climate change and agriculture.
• While applicants with a strong background in meteorology are preferred, affinity with the agricultural sector is an advantage.
• Practical skills in remote sensing applications will be advantageous.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the teaching and research agenda of the agronomy section of the department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
• Teach undergraduate modules in the field of agronomy, as well as the supervision of research activities conducted by MSc and PhD students.
• Function as an independent researcher who sets up and carries out agronomic research activities and is able to attract research funding.
• Engage with a diversity of stakeholders, including academic collaborators, funding agencies, the industry and government.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment) or
• Master’s degree in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• 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:

• The applicant should have expertise in Agronomy, or a closely related field supported by a convincing track record of scientific publications in internationally recognised journals.
• The applicant should have excellent practical research skills (design and implementation of greenhouse and field trials, data analysis skills, writing skills, etc.).
• The applicant should have sound understanding of South African crop production conditions and be able to work with the private sector by conducting research that responds to the needs of the sector.
• The applicant should be able to communicate well with students and have experience with lecturing undergraduate students and the supervision of MSc and PhD students.
• Expertise in one of the following fields is an advantage:
• Practical experience with the production and management of annual field crops.
• Weed science, the background of weed biology, chemical mode of action physiology and the management of weeds in crop production.
• Crop nutrition.
• Crop water management. 

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach, assess, and coordinate modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Provide study guidance and supervision to postgraduate students.
• Contribute to programme development and curriculum review.
• Initiate, conduct, and sustain high-level research.
• Disseminate recognised research through appropriate channels, including publishing manuscripts in accredited journals and participating in workshops, peer-reviewed conferences, and symposia in Criminology.
• Establish reciprocal relationships between scholarly engagement, research, and teaching activities.
• Maintain continued professional development and evaluation of practice relating to learning, teaching, and assessment in line with qualifications, experience, changes in the subject discipline, pedagogic development, and innovation in learning technology.
• Perform administrative and leadership responsibilities for learning and teaching, research, and scholarly engagement.
• Contribute towards creating a strong African Criminology academic identity.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Senior Lecturer
• A Doctoral degree (PhD) on NQF Level 10 in Criminology.
• A minimum of five years (5) lecturing experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at university level.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers at national scholarly conferences.
• An NRF rating or equivalent or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in accredited national and/or international journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society, committee, or agency concerned with research at higher education levels.

Recommendations:

• Expertise in the Criminal Justice System.

Competencies

Key Competencies required:

• Results orientated:
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking:

• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• Ability to be cooperative with others, display 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.

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Duties and responsibilities

• Leading the strategic and operational planning for the delivery of an effective digital infrastructure for the University.
• Ensuring that all the risks for a continuous and available digital infrastructure are managed effectively, for example, cybersecurity and appropriate human resources.
• Proactively managing an integrated partnership with all role players of the academic project, as ICT is the fundamental backbone of the academic project.
• Promoting and overseeing strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including the government, vendors and partner organisations.
• Driving transformational change and innovation while balancing business, infrastructure and technology needs.
• Approving and supporting all academic and administrative IT system operations, data centres, process improvement, business intelligence and report writing, help desk services, communication networks (voice and data), systems integration, enterprise systems management and IT security.
• Defining and communicating organisation plans, policies and standards for the University for acquiring, implementing and operating IT systems.
• Managing the operating, strategic and capital budgets for the department through risk assessments and compliance with financial policies.
• Partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of new systems and processes to ensure the accurate provision of data and/or the appropriate use of new technology to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensuring that appropriate risk and governance measures, for example, relating to audit requirements, security requirements, etc., are in place.
• Creating a culture of IT professionals focused on deep business alignment, accountability for outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Managing and overseeing the performance and development of IT staff.
• Submitting or overseeing timeous submission of statutory IT governance and management reports.
• Representing the University on relevant external forums.

Inherent Job Requirements

• ​​​​​​​A postgraduate degree on NQF Level 8 or equivalent in Computer Science/Information Systems or a related field, as well as additional technical certifications as required in an ICT environment.
• A minimum of ten years’ relevant experience, of which at least five years should be at a senior level, in managing an equally complex and similar ICT environment.
• At least five years’ experience in ICT and broader information functions in a higher-education (HE) or related context/environment.
• A proven track record of strategic planning and operational execution, as well as monitoring and evaluation of ICT solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to apply ICT in solving business problems.
• Experience in the implementation of a digital transformation strategy.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

Results-orientation:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Strategic thinking:

• The ability to think strategically and operationalise thinking into plans and projects.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business acumen:

• The ability to demonstrate effective communication skills, negotiation skills, persuasion skills, good interpersonal skills and well-reasoned decision-making ability.

Leadership:

• A successful track record of leadership and team building.
• The ability to positively influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

Building coalitions:

• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Accounting Education mainly and Economic Management Science Education cluster modules.
• Participate in the work integrated learning programme of the faculty (teaching practice).
• Ensure active involvement in research activities of the faculty.
• Contribute to curriculum development in the field of Accounting Education specifically and EMS Education generally.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the faculty.
• Contribute to leadership and administrative tasks related to the faculty.

Inherent requirements:

• A relevant doctoral degree with Accounting Education on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment) or
• A relevant Master’s degree with a focus on Accounting Education on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a relevant doctoral degree with Accounting Education on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position). Candidates must submit proof of registration for a relevant doctoral degree with Accounting Education on NQF Level 10.
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis or dissertation to indicate relevance to the teaching, learning and assessment of Accounting Education.
• Candidates must have studied Accounting as a major with either Business Studies or Economics as a second major or minor subject, in their undergraduate degree qualifications.
• A formal teaching qualification (e.g., Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent).
• A minimum of five (5) year’s relevant teaching experience in a school context or a minimum of two (2) years relevant teaching experience in a higher education environment.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentation at academic conferences or equivalent.
• Provide evidence of manuscript (s) produced, that are published or have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication, in an accredited journal.

Recommendations:

• A proven research record of relevant publications in national or international accredited journals.
• Experience in postgraduate supervision.