Job Openings at North West University

Job description

• The MUST Deep Learning research group performs basic and applied research in machine learning, with an emphasis on the theory and application of deep learning, the set of tools currently driving innovation in artificial intelligence (AI).
• Our theoretical work focuses on the generalisation ability and interpretability of deep learning models.
• Our current application domains are diverse, ranging from space weather prediction to industrial applications of deep learning.
• MUST forms part of the Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. It hosts the current SARChI chair in Deep Learning, is a node of the South African National Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), and coordinates three machine learning projects within the research programme of  The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS).
• As such, the group develops and applies specialised machine learning techniques with a network of collaborating researchers.

We invite South African and international fellows with an interest in machine learning and, specifically, deep neural networks,  to apply. A postdoctoral fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals looking to:

• grow their research experience and portfolio,
• increase their research independence,
• learn to lead and coordinate research projects, and/or
• explore new research interests.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant PhD degree (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics), obtained within five years before the appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.
• Strong programming and scripting skills (especially Python). 
• Good technical writing skills and a sound publication record.
• Ability to co-supervise students.
• Self-motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills.
• Prior machine learning experience is essential.

Duration and value of the fellowship

The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of one year, and is renewable for a second and third year, contingent upon performance and productive integration into the research group.

• The grant will fund the successful candidate at R300 000 - R450 000 per annum, depending on experience, non-taxable.
• A further amount of R20 000 - R50 000 per annum will be made available for running costs.
• A once-off amount to a maximum of R20 000 will be made available for relocation costs.
• You will be required to purchase private medical cover unless you can show evidence of suitable existing cover.  Assistance in this regard can be provided by the International office.

Apply by: 15 October 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The person to be appointed in this position is responsible to teach primarily in the field of Practical Theology (Homiletic and Liturgy) to undergraduate students in the relevant theological programs.
• The person needs at least a doctorate in Practical Theology (Homiletic and Liturgy) on NQF level 10.
• Knowledge and experience in another theological discipline, e.g. African practical theologies or theologies in Africa will be a recommendation.
• On postgraduate level, the position requires that the person to be appointed equips students with critical skills in order to, 1) understand recent developments in the field of Practical Theology (Homiletic and Liturgy) and African practical theologies or theologies in Africa, and 2) subsequently contribute to research in the fields.
• Evidence of published research will therefore be necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching and Learning (Undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Research and Innovation
• Social responsiveness / Community Engagement
• Administration and Management
• Occupational Safety and Health

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Practical Theology (Homiletics and Liturgy).
• A valid membership with a relevant scholarly / academic society.
• A minimum of three (3) senior lecturer level or five (5) associate or full professor years’ teaching experience in a tertiary context.
• A consistent record of research outputs in line with senior lecturer, associate or full professor level.
• A proven record of completed supervision of post graduate students on master’s and doctoral level.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Should function in accordance with the NWU teaching/learning and research policies within the faculty, including the willingness
• and ability to contribute to the focus of the faculty.
• Should make contributions to current subject knowledge on national and international levels.
• Should be able and willing also to teach in other field(s) of practical theological study, if required.
• The candidate should be able to handle typical academic administration (meetings, marks, study material) effectively.
• Appropriate IT knowledge and skills, and willing to undergo further training in this regard.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to contribute to good relations among staff members in the faculty.
• Should be able to work in a team setup regarding teaching, administrative duties and research.
• Candidate should respect the foundation of the faculty and be willing to assist in promoting the faculty’s theological inclusiveness.
• Be able to build a good report with the students and act as inspirational role model and mentee for students and junior colleagues.

Apply by: 30 September 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Senior Lecturer position in Subject Group: Creative Writing in the School of Languages (PC). The incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and post-graduate modules in Creative Writing Programmes offered at NWU as well as participate in research and community engagement activities as expected of every senior lecturer at the University.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching & Learning

• All undergraduate teaching and learning and post-grad supervision, preferably with specialisation in Afrikaans & English creative writing modules.

Research and Creative Writing

• Individual research and creative writing, preferably with specialisation in Afrikaans and English literature, pre-reviewing of research articles and scholarly book contributions, co-operation in subject group projects in creative writing and research.

Management and University Services

• Fulfilling management tasks and duties in service of the University as a whole, as they arise.

Community Involvement

• Assist in organising subject group and school community engagement projects.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in Literature and/or Creative Writing.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in teaching at a tertiary institution (in literary studies and/or creative writing).
• Evidence of at least 1 article or creative writing output.
• Post-graduate supervision /co-supervision experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• Membership to relevant Afrikaans and/or English literary and/or writers’ societies.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in post-graduate study guidance at a tertiary institution (in literary and/or creative writing).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills (in both Afrikaans and English).
• Excellent level of computer literacy and experience of online teaching and learning.
• Successful creative writing (published by mainstream publishers).
• Effective (proven) teaching and research guidance skills.
• Relevant and scholarly valued (published) literary researching.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent administrative and organising ability.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Apply by: 30 September 2025

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Job description

Introduction

• A postdoctoral fellow position is available co-hosted between the MUST Deep Learning and Assistive Devices research groups, within the Faculty of Engineering.
• We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to aid in engineering research projects focused on developing advanced assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, incorporating machine learning techniques.
• The research groups are dedicated to advancing assistive technology through innovative engineering solutions and cutting-edge research.
• Our focus includes the design and development of prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices, enhancing their functionality through machine learning.
• Our aim is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by integrating intelligent systems that provide better control and adaptability in assistive devices.
• The MUST Deep Learning research group studies machine learning, with an emphasis on the theory and application of deep learning.
• The group coordinates two national research programmes (associated with the Centre for AI Research and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences), hosts the national SARChI chair in Deep Learning, and delivers work of international standing.
• The collaborative programme between the two research groups is new: the postdoctoral fellow will be given the opportunity to help shape this programme in collaboration with senior researchers.

Job Description

• The successful candidate will be provided with an environment conducive to the development of their research skills and growth of their research profile, through collaboration and publication at both national and international levels. The candidate will work closely with a supervisor and engage with postgraduate students as a co-supervisor and mentor.

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct independent research in the field of assistive devices and machine learning.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals.
• Co-supervise master's and doctoral students.
• Provide mentorship to postgraduate students.
• Contribute to research and funding proposals.
• Potentially participate in applied research projects in industry or as part of national programmes, collaborating with other experts and stakeholders.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant PhD degree obtained within five years prior to appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.
• A strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• An interest in assistive technology, foundational knowledge of machine learning and a strong mathematics background.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Critical, independent thinker.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Leadership abilities.
• High levels of self-motivation.

Apply by: 15 October 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The  successful applicant will mainly be responsible for research outputs in the Pentecostal paradigm.  
• Additional responsibilities will include post-graduate supervision and teaching related to the Pentecostal paradigm.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching and Learning (undergraduate and postgraduate)
• Research and Innovation
• Social responsiveness / Community Engagement
• Administration and Management
• Occupational Safety and Health

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Pentecostal Studies.
• A valid membership with relevant scholarly / academic society.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ teaching experience in a tertiary context on an associate or full professor level.
• A record of consistent research outputs in line with associate or full professor level.
• A proven record of completed supervision of post graduate students on masters and doctoral level.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• An NRF rating is a strong recommendation.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Contributions to current subject knowledge on national and international levels.
• Able to function as part of a faculty team.
• Manage  academic administration related to the position effectively.
• Appropriate IT knowledge and skills and ongoing development of skills.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to contribute to good relations among staff members in the faculty.
• Ability to  build a good rapport with the students and act as an inspirational role model and mentor for students and colleague

Apply by: 30 September 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To fill a vacancy in the School of Professional Studies in Education on the Potchefstroom Campus in the subject group Education Management and Leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and Innovation
• Scholarly guidance, innovation and initiation with regard to research in Education Management & Leadership.

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching modules in Education Management & Leadership Teaching at all levels in higher education.
• Supervising master’s and PhD students.

Community Engagement

• Active involvement in community engagement projects.

Development

• Participating in research projects.
• Involvement in community engagement programmes.
• Participating in development programmes.

Minimum requirements

• A master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Management and Leadership
• A minimum of two (2) years’ teaching and learning and or research experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A Phd (NQF level 10) in Management and Leadership.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience employed in higher education.
• Member of funded research projects.
• Author/co-author of research publications in Management & Leadership.
• Have proven teaching experience in Education Management & Leadership.
• Supervised Masters and Doctoral students to completion.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Proven teaching record
• Research potential
• Research skills, interpersonal skills/communication and computer literacy

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player
• Good interpersonal relations

Apply by: 30 September 2025