Job Openings at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The purpose of the position is to coordinate, manage and support Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing activities in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management. Instructions are given by the Director of the UESM.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Innovation:

• Develop an independent research program within the area of expertise and interest.
• Raise funds for own research program.
• Collaborate with internal and external collaborators.
• Develop software, coding pipelines, and applications for scientific or technical use.
• Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
• Keep abreast of new chemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
• Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
• Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
• Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms, including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graph algorithms.
• Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
• Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
• Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Analysis of high-throughput screening data and perform structure-activity analyses to generate predictive correlations.
• Configuring a NWU HPC server to be fully operational within the UESM.

Teaching, Learning and Training:

• Curriculum development and teaching at the post-graduate level. 
• Coordinate the content of the bioinformatics modules in the School for Biological Sciences B.Sc. Hons program.
• Supervise B.Sc. Honn Students.
• Providing hands-on training for postgraduate students to generate sequencing and NGS data.
• Training of UESM researchers and other students in the principles of analysing sequencing data using computational tools.
• Teaching post-graduate students to develop software libraries and implement the best coding practices to build and continually improve the computational capabilities and workflows.
• Supervision of PhD and M.Sc. candidates is not critical at the onset – will be phased in.

Administration and Management:

• Prepare and manage budgets for the operation of the core facility.
• Prepare and manage service level agreements for the provision of sequencing and bioinformatics support activities.
• Prepare and present reports on the activities of the core facility for the UESM Director and the Dean of Faculties.
• Apply for and manage external (national and international) funding for the development of the infrastructure of the Core Facility.
• Maintain software, hardware, and the network in a bioinformatics setting (Budget and manage the budget).
• Supervise regular updates and recommend state-of-the-art enhancements in bioinformatics hardware and software.
• Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as required for services and collaborations within the University and external partners.

Academic leadership, management, and administration:

• Ensure compliance with all existing safety standards in the area of responsibility.
• Responsible for data management, taking into account laws, regulations, and directives and evaluating potential risks of the research activities.
• Ensure compliance with University Ethics Policies and POPI Act.

 Social responsiveness and Community Engagement:

• Assist with or prepare training material and assist with or present training workshops for neighbouring universities.
• Prepare material and present workshops for high school students and community members.

Ad hoc:

• Ad hoc assignments will be given by the Director of the UESM.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Bioinformatics, Biochemistry or Microbiology.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience using PC, Mac, and/or UNIX operating systems, R, Python, and other relevant languages.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience using various sequencing platforms for short-read as well as long-read platforms.
• Supervision of postgraduate students.
• Published articles in DHET-accredited journals with Scopus references.
• Relevant work experience in herpetology and conservation ecology.
• Oral presentations at national and international conferences.
• Proof of successful funding applications – independently or in a team.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Additional diplomas in programming, in advance bioinformatics, biostatistics.
• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• Design, implementation and management of high-performance computing and information and data systems.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Able to train students and staff to prepare sequencing reactions independently, using standardized workflows.
• Able to evaluate sequencing data and perform quality control independently.
• Able to train staff and students to troubleshoot independently.
• Able to train staff to prepare the Sanger Sequencing and NGS equipment for long-term storage/Standby
• Must develop an archive of sequencing records to be made available to clients, should it be required for future purposes, using appropriate data management tools.
• Must be able to prepare and transfer sequencing data to high-performance computing facilities.
• Must be able to clean up sequences and to do basic bioinformatics analysis using open-source software and programming languages such as R or Python.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to manage bioinformatics and sequencing staff in the UESM and related schools and research teams.
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Proactively look for ways to assist staff, students, and stakeholders.
• Functioning in a team environment.

Apply by: 13 October 2025

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Job description

INTRODUCTION 

• The Centre for Sustainable Mining, housed within the Faculty of Engineering, is pleased to offer exciting opportunities for PhD bursaries. We are seeking highly motivated candidates to contribute to pioneering research projects that advance sustainable and circular mining practices.
• Our Centre is dedicated to driving innovation through engineering excellence and cutting-edge research. We focus on technologies that enhance resource efficiency, minimise environmental impact, and promote responsible mining. By integrating intelligent systems and circular economy principles, we aim to optimise resource use, extend material lifecycles, and improve the overall sustainability of mining operations.
• Successful candidates will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and experts, contributing to projects that address critical challenges in the mining sector. This opportunity offers a unique platform to shape the future of mining through the development of transformative solutions and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research that aligns with sustainable mining practices.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage with supervisors and contribute to collaborative projects.
• Support the delivery of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) modules through assisting in lectures and related activities, within the remunerated work limits for full-time students.

Minimum requirements

Eligibility and Support

This bursary is awarded to candidates whose studies contribute to the strategic research areas of the faculty. Applicants must:

• Complete the Doctoral degree within a grace period of five (5) years.
• Apply for full-time doctoral studies.
• Applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 60% in all modules/subjects of their preceding, completed master’s degree.

Key Behavioural Competencies

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

Apply by: 15 October 2025

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• As the most senior representative of the Faculty of Humanities on site / campus, manage the operational delivery to achieve the unitary Faculty strategy and plan. In addition, provide functional and academic leadership and quality assurance across campuses in respect of Teaching and Learning

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning

• Implement Faculty teaching and learning practices and processes on site and drive alignment across campuses.
• Align academic programmes and modes of delivery on all campuses.
• Implement, monitor and report on systems and processes for continuous quality assurance.
• Joint accountability to update and review Faculty quality manual.
• Manage quality assurance of academic programmes across sites of delivery.
• Manage and complete external and internal programme evaluations and reviews.
• Monitor and report on progress against and compliance with improvement plans post programme reviews.
• Encourage and instil innovative Teaching and Learning methods.
• Manage continuous curriculum and programme alignment in relation to Faculty plan, NWU academic standards and assessment frameworks.
• Participate in enrolment planning and manage enrolments to ensure optimal enrolment levels in various academic fields, qualification levels and modes of delivery.
• Joint accountability to drive the integration of research outputs into teaching and learning to enhance professional qualifications and graduate employability.
• Ensure preparation of students for post-graduate research programmes where relevant.
• Implement profitable programmes and initiate and sustain third-stream revenue generating initiatives to increase financial strength.
• Project implementation under direction of the executive dean to optimise under and post graduate throughput quality.

Strategy Development

• Co-determine Faculty strategy and joint accountability for the implementation thereof.
• Jointly accountable for the successful implementation of the NWU Teaching and Learning strategy.
• Jointly accountable for successful implementation of the overall NWU strategy.
• Translate the Faculty strategy into a site implementation plan and operationalize.

Operational Management

• Lead and direct day-to-day operational planning, performance and quality ensuring alignment with the Faculty plan.
• Participate in planning with Schools and the annual Faculty calendar.
• Oversee and manage utilisation of resources and finances as allocated by the Executive Dean.
• Deputise for the Executive Dean.
• Accountable across campus as Chairperson of relevant Faculty board committee(s).

Community Engagement

• Identify and drive local opportunities for community engagement and integrate into teaching and learning.
• Socially responsive local community projects, supportive of Faculty objectives and departmental programme content.

Student Relations

• Liaise with students and parents, build relationships and resolve escalations.
• Increase students’ identification and association with the Faculty and its operation across campuses.

External Relationships

• Secure funding, professional recognition, academic development, employment, through effective local and international relationships with peers, higher education institutions, research community, industry, professional bodies and the community.
• In consultation with the Executive Dean, position and promote the Faculty and ultimately the NWU Brand, through effective marketing and communication, relationships with local government, the community, industry, students, parents and alumni and other stakeholders.
• Promote and drive internationalisation and commercialization.

 Management and Leadership

• Faculty effectiveness and efficiency inclusive of infrastructure and facilities Schools, Programme and Research entities effectiveness joint accountability.
• Joint accountability with leadership team for management effectiveness of the institution.
• Stakeholder relationship development and effectiveness.
• Corporate governance conformance, reporting and risk management.
• Cost management and cost-effectiveness.
• Faculty processes and systems implementation, utilisation, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Personal effectiveness, wholeness and development.
• Values-based behaviour leadership and personal compliance.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD in one of the Faculty’s disciplines (NQF level 10).
• Five (5) to ten (10) years’ senior management experience.
• Significant teaching and learning experience within the higher education environment.
• Membership and/or professional registration with appropriate academic and professional networks.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system
• Well-developed information and communication technology proficiency
• Acceptable management accountancy proficiency
• Acceptable contract development and management proficiency
• Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Professional work ethic.
• Autonomous, accurate and assertive.
• Responsible, accountable, fair, transparent.
• Good communication (verbally and written) skills; setting up business meetings and appointments.
• Is decisive, able to reach timely decisions and initiate action appropriately.
• Follows through on commitments, obligations for services.
• Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately.
• Is entrepreneurial.
• Represents the Faculty in a positive and professional manner.
• Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions.

Apply by: 12 October 2025

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Job description

INTRODUCTION

• The Centre for Sustainable Mining, housed within the Faculty of Engineering, is pleased to offer exciting opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships. We are seeking highly motivated candidates to contribute to pioneering research projects that advance sustainable and circular mining practices.
• Our Centre is dedicated to driving innovation through engineering excellence and cutting-edge research. We focus on technologies that enhance resource efficiency, minimise environmental impact, and promote responsible mining. By integrating intelligent systems and circular economy principles, we aim to optimise resource use, extend material lifecycles, and improve the overall sustainability of mining operations.
• Successful candidates will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and experts, contributing to projects that address critical challenges in the mining sector. This fellowship offers a unique platform to shape the future of mining through the development of transformative solutions and practices.

Job Description

• The successful candidate will be provided with an environment conducive to developing their research skills and enhancing their research profile through collaboration and publication at both national and international levels.
• They will work closely with a supervisor and engage with postgraduate students in a co-supervisory and mentoring capacity. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent research in the field of sustainable mining practices and technologies.
• 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 programs, collaborating with other experts and stakeholders.

Minimum requirements

• PhD Degree: A relevant PhD degree obtained within five years prior to the appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.
• Publication Record: A good track record of publications in peer-reviewed ISI journals.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Research Interests: A demonstrated interest in areas such as minerals and metal resource base, alternative sources of minerals and metals, sustainable mining practices, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, mining transformation and innovation, digital analytics in mining.

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

• Appointing a Lecturer to contribute towards undergraduate and post graduate teaching, practice supervision of students and research supervision of post graduate students in the subject group Social Work, specifically Forensic Practice.
• Since this is an nGAP position, the candidate will be expected to register for and complete his/her doctoral studies, participate successfully in the DHET's Staffing South Africa's Universities Development Programme, and work under the supervision of an appointed mentor.
• To achieve the developmental aims of the programme, the nGAP employee will have a reduced teaching load over the first four years of their appointment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and learning, including higher degree supervision 

• Engaged teaching and learning on both under- and post graduate levels: Develop study material, facilitate contact sessions, internal and external moderation and assessment.

Research and innovation

• Engaged research: Supervision of post graduate students; internal and external examination of post graduate research dissertations and/or theses; participation in the applicable research entity and publication of articles. Independent research and sharing of expertise with diverse communities of practice and enquiry.

Social responsiveness and industry involvement  

• Maintain involvement in community service as a scholarly practice.Execute activities by which discipline-based skills and knowledge are made relevant to the community.

Academic leadership, management, and administration

• Participate in faculty and school committees.

Minimum requirements

• A Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice (NQF level 9). The master’s degree must be achieved with an average of 70% or above. Please attach proof of the results in your application.
• Registered as Social Worker with the SACSSP.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s research and innovation experience as an emerging researcher showing interest in Forensic Practice.
• A minimum of one (1) year generic Social Work practice experience - direct practice and/or Social Work supervisory/ managerial.
• Applicants must be SA citizens and 40 years or younger of age.

PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE (PoE):

Should you not have a Master of Social Work in Forensic Practice, please submit your PoE to [email protected]. Your PoE must include:

• Training or workshops in Forensic Social Work attended and facilitated.
• Roles that the applicant played in Forensic Social Work in Parental Responsibility and Rights or sexual abuse.
• Interventions and research done in Forensic Social Work.
• Advanced knowledge applied skills and competence in Forensic Social Work.
• Understanding of legislation and policies applicable to Forensic Social Work.
• Report writing and expert testimony in SA courts within Forensic Social Work.
• Competency in identification and critical analysis in Forensic Social Work issues.
• Intervention processes in Forensic Social Work.

ADDED ADVANTAGE & PREFERENCE:

• A minimum of one (1) year teaching and learning experience in blended contact sessions with university students.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability and experience to work from an evidence-based approach in Social Work.
• Excellent communication skills (verbally and written).
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft office, e-mails, power point, software for data analysis).

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to use e-media for teaching, studying and communication.
• The ability to work well independently as well as in a team.
• Good time management and ability to work well under pressure.

Apply by: 3 October 2025

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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.
• This fellowship, in particular, will prepare the successful candidate for a range of research opportunities related to machine learning and engineering, whether in an academic capacity or in industry.
• If you are the successful candidate, MUST will provide you with exposure to an environment that conducts machine learning research of international standing. You will develop your research skills, collaborate and publish internationally, and grow your own research profile. You will work in collaboration with a supervisor and participate fully in the research programme of the group. You will also interact with the group’s postgraduate students, and have the opportunity to act as supervisor for research masters and doctoral students. Undergraduate teaching is not a typical part of this position.
• The fellowship is driven by merit and is awarded in line with the NWU policy on employment equity. The position is offered at one of two locations: Potchefstroom at the Faculty of Engineering, and Hermanus (Western Cape) at the MUST research lab.

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