Job Vacancies at University of the Free State

About the Job

Duties and responsibilities:

• Clean residences and other accommodation categories of the Department: Housing and Residence Affairs.
• Clean according to the All-Care Colour Coding System.
• Take ownership of issued equipment as provided by the University.
• Clean restrooms as provided by the University.
• Clean during conferences; this includes making up beds and taking off the linen after conferences.
• Work overtime when required, especially during conference times.

Inherent Job requirements:

• Grade 10 on NQF level 2.

Recommendations:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a colour code cleaning system.
• Colour coding cleaning system certificate.

Competencies

Required competencies:

• Results oriented:
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Experience in cleaning with a colour coding cleaning system.

 Leading:

• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

 Building coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

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About the Job

Duties and responsibilities:

General Administration

• Provide assistance to the Teaching and Learning Manager with the welcoming and orientation of the 1st year students.
• Perform any reasonable ad-hoc requests as requested from the Dean, Vice Dean, Teaching and Learning Manager and Faculty Manager from time to time.
• Facilitate the process of recognition of modules for students who transferred from another qualification within the UFS or from another university.
• Provide assistance to the Faculty Manager with the arrangements and planning for registrations at the beginning of the year, as well as the start of the second semester. This includes training of additional staff to assist with registration.
• Liaise with CTL and Blackboard and communicate with students.
• Perform meeting administration for support staff.

Client Support

• Provide assistance with the answering of enquiries received on the generic programme specific proxy email address.
• Provide assistance with general student enquiries (through walk-ins, emails and referrals).

Academic/Curriculum Advising

• Represent the faculty on the Academic Advising Forum. Provide inputs and incorporate information received at the forum, into daily operations.
• Provide inputs during the compilation of the Faculty Rule Books w.r.t curricula, faculty rules and general rules.
• Interpret and apply the general rules and faculty rules in order to provide academic advice to students during registrations.
• Interpret and apply the general rules and faculty rules in order to do quality control of student records during the course of the year.
• Act as liaison between students, Programme Directors, Dean, Vice- Dean, Teaching and Learning Manager, Faculty Manager, Registrar’s Office, and Student Academic Services with regard to student enquiries and student records and registration.
• Provide academic advice to students during registrations and lift academic blocks.
• Refer students to the appropriate support services on campus, such as CUADS, CTL and Kovsie Counselling and other relevant stakeholders.
• Upload information in accordance with the Case Management System.
• Act as supervisor over student assistants who also provide academic advice during registrations.
• Provide assistance to the Marketing Officer at Open Days by giving programme advice to prospective students.
• Act as an advisor to Programme Directors.
• Act as liaison between the faculty and relevant structures such as Student Academic Services (SAS), Student Finance Division, Centre for Graduate Support, Directorate for Student Discipline and Mediation, Faculty Student Counsel, or IRSC/Student Affairs.
• Act as liaison between the faculty and other structures such as Library, Careers Office and Teaching and Learning office. This includes the Library Open Day/Career week/Student engagements.
• Act as student liaison between the Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South Campuses.

Documentation/Records

• Responsible for record maintenance of undergraduate students and postgraduate (PG Dip & Honours) students’ academic records through data capturing and recordkeeping. This includes the manual registration of students.
• Interpret and apply the general rules and faculty rules in order to do quality control of student records during the course of the year. This includes checking student academic records according to the relevant curriculum to ensure that students comply with the general rules and faculty rules.
• Process student records in preparation for Faculty Examination Board. This includes identification of expected graduates, candidates with distinction, special examination/assessment candidates and possible exclusions (academic progression).
• Process student appeal forms in preparation of the Faculty Readmission Appeals Committee.
• Process student records in preparation for the Faculty Admissions Advisory Committee.

Graduation

• Provide assistance in the graduation hall during graduation ceremonies, such as row control, handing out seat numbers to students etc.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience in curriculum and academic advising in a Higher Education environment.

Recommendations:

• Experience with a learning management system (preferably Blackboard).
• Knowledge of the General Rules.
• Basic computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to function with ease in the University’s parallel-medium and richly diverse working environment.

Competencies

Required competencies:

• Results oriented.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions
• 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.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

go to method of application »

About the Job

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach relevant undergraduate and postgraduate modules in the Department of English.
• Contribute to the Department’s research output strategy by participating in research projects, academic conferences and publishing scholarly peer reviewed articles.
• Participate in community engagement projects.
• Perform general administration duties as applicable at university level.
• Supervise student’s research projects.

Inherent requirements:
Lecturer

• A PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in English Language Teaching / Language Studies / Linguistics / Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or related field (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in English Language Teaching / Language Studies / Linguistics / Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or related field (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in English Language Teaching / Language Studies / Linguistics / Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or related field MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position)..
• Knowledge and skills to teach and facilitate English language learning.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Provide evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Recommendations:

• Demonstrate understanding of second language teaching methods and theories.
• Demonstrate competence or potential to produce peer-reviewed academic research outputs in the broad field of language Studies/Linguistics.
• Familiarity with the academic culture and challenges of students from historically disadvantaged communities.
• Familiarity with blended learning modes such as “Blackboard.”

Competencies

Key Competencies required:

• Results oriented:
  •  The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
  • The ability to cope with frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  •  The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
  •  The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
  •  The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  •  Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm
  • The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• 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.

Required Documents

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• Copies of all academic records (applicable where inherently required).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

go to method of application »

About the Job

Duties and responsibilities:

• Responsible for the digitisation of the short loan collection.
• Responsible for digitisation of the reserved shelve collection.
• Responsible for the digitisation of articles from hard-cover journals for ease of use by the university community.
• Upload journal articles on the hosting platform for future use by library users.
• Upload the digitised chapters on the E-course reserve platform applying the fair use and copyright legislations.
• Ensure that only 10% of the book is uploaded on the platform for a specified period in line with DALRO requirements.
• Update the departmental reserve in collaboration with the academics and relevant faculty/information librarian.
• Market the E-course reserve user guide to the library users.
• Keep statistics of referrals to the E-course reserve platform.
• Inform academics of the uploaded chapters in collaboration with the relevant faculty/information librarians.
• Ensure, in collaboration with the Virtual librarian, that the E-course reserve platform is available to the authorised university users 24 hours and in line with the request by the academic.
• Ensure that there are usage guidelines on the platform for information for the end user.
• Process barcodes and 3M RFID tags using the staff workstation model 946 and verify the presence of a sensitized 3M Tattle-Tape Security Strip.
• Program and tag books using frequency-based technology and microchip technology to keep track of the circulation status of the library items.
• Use Bibliotheca staffConnect conversion software to check whether the item(s) is RFID enabled and blank and reprogram tags if they are not working correctly.
• Use the Digital Library Assistant to ensure screening and complete book collection on the shelves for inventory control, search for books that have been mis-shelved, and search for individual books that have been requested.
• Train new colleagues at circulation on the use of the digitisation system.
• Present during the innovative Wednesday the experience of using digitizing e-course reserves.
• Create various multimedia to be shared on different LibGuides on how the process of digitisation of specific information resources, including e-course reserves, is conducted.
• Create awareness during library orientation of the role that e-course reserves play within the teaching and learning ecosystem.
• Download and present the statistics on usage in a quarterly report.
• Market the Library App to users.
• Demonstrate to the users with downloading the mobile App on their devices.
• Utilise the QR code on the library banner to assist the users in accessing the mobile App.
• Demonstrate the circulation features to the users.
• Keep a record of users assisted with the mobile App daily.
• Collaborate with faculty librarians and the quality control officer to develop the evaluation tool for the App.
• Report bugs or issues encountered on the App to the LIS IT manager.
• Demonstrate to the users in accessing books on the shelves using the App.
• Assist users with reserving books using the App.
• Create awareness amongst the library patrons about the library app.
• Offer on-the-spot assistance with library PIN.
• Guide library patrons with expired credentials.
• Train library patrons with simplified access issues.
• Demonstrate to students and staff how to check out and check in items using the Bibliotheca 1000 self-check machine.
• Ensure that the self-checkout receipt printer is functioning on a daily basis and that correct fields are displayed on a patron’s receipt.
• Add library marketing materials on the self-check machine to display on the screen.
• Assist with the development of self-help videos on how to utilise the self-checkout machines.
• Ensure that the machines are operational on a daily basis and report if they are not functioning well.
• Collect books 3 times from the RFID beacon-enabled book drop boxes per day.
• Pack the books on trolleys for shelve readiness.
• Keep inventory of RFID staff workstations up to date.
• Train new library patrons on how to individually operate the system.
• Present during the library orientation to the new students the role that is played by the self-checkout system.
• Create ongoing awareness to all library patrons about how to execute various activities.
• Report about the malfunctioning of the self-checkout system.
• Present statistics on the number of library patrons assisted during a specific quarter.
• Provide first-line support for ICT-related queries to library staff via telephone, email, or face-to-face.
• Establish a good working relationship with staff, students, professionals, and stakeholders.
• Resolve computer-related issues and provide excellent customer service to staff, students, and researchers (uploading/downloading files, navigating web pages, signing up for email, scanning documents or photos, etc. – in a proactive manner).
• Work continuously on allocated operational tasks until completion.
• Test and evaluate new technology in the library.
• Create and maintain user and administrative guides.
• Transfer digital tools and library systems knowledge to the staff and students through virtual training, videos, and webinars.
• Troubleshoot basic issues with Makerspace equipment.
• Assist patrons on some Makerspace equipment and projects.
• Refer customers to senior staff or Library ICT for more complex questions.
• Keep supplies (i.e., button drawers, vinyl, glue etc) well-stocked.
• Keep a record of all IT equipment present in the client computing environment.
• Provide leadership and oversight to our growing Makerspace program.
• Ensure processes are maintained to safeguard against data loss and to provide business confidence and assurance in data integrity.
• Participate in a range of activities and projects in for Library ICT, Digital Scholarship Center and Makerspace.

Inherent Job requirements:

• National Diploma on NQF level 6 in ICT or a B-Tech degree on NQF level 7.
• A minimum of one (1) year relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• IT experience of operating systems, programming languages, as well as web technologies.
• Knowledge of HTML.
• High level computer proficiency with regard to general and library applications.
• Knowledge of information technology applications and software.

Competencies

Key Competencies required:

• Results oriented:
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.

 Strategic thinking:

• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

 Business Acumen:

• Proficient in using MS Office.

 Leading.

• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

go to method of application »

About the Job

Duties and responsibilities:

• Receive sample(s), assist clients to complete submission forms and inform clients of procedures and policy of the laboratory.
• Maintain and manage client samples in compliance with privacy and security regulations.
• Dispatch laboratory work appropriately.
• Maintain a professional reception area.
• Handle samples and perform analyses according to SOPs and test methods
• Perform chemical analyses and the use of the relevant equipment.
• Prepare media and reagents for the analyses of samples.
• Test, check and record the suitability of reagents (standards, buffers), where necessary.
• Maintain and calibrate equipment where applicable, keeping record of all related activities.
• Capture, interpret and handle validation of sample results.
• Assess own data to ensure accuracy and validity of the reported results.
• Assist in the reporting of data to clients.
• Help to coordinate external audits SANAS, to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.
• Perform risk assessments and opportunities for improvement on the entire system during internal audits.
• Assist with compiling, commenting, recommendations and follow-up on non-conformances.
• Develop, design and maintain the Laboratory web pages using appropriate web publishing, editing and graphics applications per request.
• Support the Laboratory in the future implementation of a LIMS system, acting as a liaison between the laboratory users and the vendor to address laboratory and end user requirements.
• Develop new and maintain existing automation scripts in Visual Basic & C/C++ on request.
• Ability to work in an SQL server environment writing SQL Queries.
• Assist in the use of specialised equipment software.
• Perform Method development, validation and verification.
• Identify and report risks in the laboratory.
• Assist in the effective running and maintenance of the Quality Managements System documentation.
• Write notification of failure reports (non conformances).
• Provide training to new staff members in the laboratory environment on adhoc basis.
• Ensure that the accreditation standards are upheld in the laboratory.
• Perform audits of suppliers when necessary.
• Request quotations from suppliers.
• Evaluate quotations.
• Approval of quotes and posting of PO directly on websites of chemical companies/suppliers.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Master’s degree in chemistry or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 9.
• Proven knowledge of the ISO 17025 standard and the application thereof.
• Experience in programming using languages such as C# or C/C++ and development tools such as MS Visual Studio.
• Experience with interrogating databases (e.g. LIMS) using SQL.

Recommendations:

• Experience operating laboratory equipment.
• Experience with laboratory internal auditing.

Competencies

Key Competencies:

• Results Orientated:
  •  The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking:
  •  The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
  •  The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organized manner.
• Business Acumen:
  •  The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  •  Good organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple complex projects individually and in a team environment.
  •  Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  •  A positive attitude, motivation and commitment.
  •  Proficient in MS Office.
• Leading:
  •  The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.
  •  The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions:
  • The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  • The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

go to method of application »

About the Job

Duties and responsibilities:
Professor

• Provide supervision to postgraduate students, namely Honours, master’s and PhD students.
• Lecture Environmental Geography for postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Provide capacity building in Geography as a recognised discipline within the UFS.
• Develop and refine curriculum associated with Geography.
• Collaborate with relevant staff members in the Geography domain.
• Develop Geography research projects, as well as interdisciplinary projects with relevant departments and centres such as the Afromontane Research Unit.
• Conduct research in the field of Environmental Geography and deliver quality research outputs in line with the research strategy of the Faculty.
• Perform academic administration pertaining to undergraduate and postgraduate subjects- this may include typing, setting and marking of all question papers and memorandums, recording of marks, moderation and handling of student complaints.
• Serve as a member of various academic committees and perform any other tasks allocated by the Dean.
• Provide leadership in pursuit of the department and faculty strategic plan with regard to research, teaching, engaged scholarship and leadership and administration.
• Attend and speak at conferences, research colloquia, workshops and seminars in order to enhance research and disciplinary knowledge.
• Identify opportunities and apply for external research funding, whether as an individual or in collaboration with colleagues.
• Participate in community activities such as mentorship and provide training and short courses in the areas of specialisation.

Associate Professor

• Provide supervision to postgraduate students, namely Honours, master’s and PhD students.
• Lecture Geography and Environmental Geography for postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Develop and refine curriculum associated with Geography and Environmental Geography.
• Collaborate with relevant staff members in the Environmental Geography Field.
• Develop Environmental Geography research Projects, as well as interdisciplinary projects with relevant departments and centres such as the Afromontane Research Unit.
• Conduct research in the field of Environmental Geography and deliver quality research outputs in line with the research strategy of the faculty.
• Perform academic administration pertaining to undergraduate and postgraduate subjects- this may include typing, setting and marking of all question papers and memorandums, recording of marks, moderation and handling of student complaints.
• Serve as a member of various academic committees and perform any other tasks allocated by the Dean.
• Provide leadership in pursuit of the department and faculty strategic plan with regard to research, teaching, engaged scholarship and leadership and administration.
• Attend and speak at conferences, research colloquia, workshops and seminars in order to enhance research and disciplinary knowledge.
• Identify opportunities and apply for external research funding, whether as an individual or in collaboration with colleagues.
• Participate in community activities such as mentorship and provide training and short courses in the areas of specialisation.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with relevant research, civil society, government, industry and professional organisations.

Senior Lecturer

• Provide supervision to postgraduate students, namely Honours, master’s and PhD students.
• Lecture Geography and Environmental Geography for postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Provide capacity building in Geography and Environmental Geography.
• Develop and refine curriculum associated with Geography and Environmental Geography fields.
• Develop Geography and Environmental Geography research projects, as well as interdisciplinary projects with relevant department and centres such as the Afromontane Research Unit.
• Conduct research in the field of Geography and Environmental Geography and deliver quality research outputs in line with the research strategy of the Faculty.
• Perform academic administration pertaining to undergraduate and postgraduate subjects- this may include typing, setting and marking of all question papers and memorandums, recording of marks, moderation and handling of student complaints.
• Serve as member of various academic committees and perform any other tasks allocated by the Dean.

Inherent Job requirements:
Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Environmental Geography or closely related field.
• Experience as external examiner for master’s-degree and doctoral students.
• Acted as editorial board member of high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
• Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular area of academic scholarship (for example, regularly serves as a reviewer for international/ISI/IBSS journals).
• An NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent status.
• Demonstrated successful supervision of graduated master’s-degree and preferably graduated doctoral students.
• Proven experience in delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
• Served as a member of an international scholarly society OR an international committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Associate Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Environmental Geography or closely related field.
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels OR showed evidence of service as an active member of an international equivalent.

Senior Lecturer

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Environmental Geography or closely related field.
• 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:

• Well established relationships with international research collaborators.
• Evidence of being well established in the field of Environmental Geography.
• Evidence of having conducted inter and transdisciplinary research in mountain environments.

Competencies

Key Competencies required:

Results oriented:

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

Strategic thinking:

•  The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
•  The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
•  Proficient in using MS Office.

 Leading:

•  The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

 Building coalitions:

•  The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• Copies of all academic records (applicable where inherently required).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants)