Jobs at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences’ Chemistry Subject Group has a vacant academic position at lecturer (L) or senior lecturer (SL) level with teaching duties in the sub-group Organic Chemistry and research duties (including postgraduate supervision) in the Research Focus Area for Chemical Resource Beneficiation’s Catalysis & Synthesis Research Group.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and learning:

• teach undergraduate and honours organic chemistry modules.

Research and Innovation:

• lead research and supervise students at masters and doctoral levels in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.

Community engagement:

• interact with social and academic communities in relation to scientific expertise. 

Management and other tasks at subject and research group, focus area and faculty levels.

• participate in academic and research committees.

Minimum requirements

LECTURER

• A Master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Organic Chemistry.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience lecturing at a higher education level.
• Academic and/or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.

SENIOR LECTURER:

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Organic Chemistry.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience lecturing at a higher education level.
• Academic and/or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.
• Demonstrate an established research track record in surfactant chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis aligned with recent peer-reviewed outputs or industry-facing projects in these areas.
• National and international collaborations.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Membership with the South African Chemical Institute.
• Community service.
• Post-doctoral experience.
• Candidates whose primary research focus lies in medicinal, pharmaceutical, or chemical biology disciplines will not be considered

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis research – knowledge of and interest in surfactant chemistry and associated applications will be advantageous.
• Competency in analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, MS, tensiometry, etc. are essential skills for this position.
• Be able to lecture introductory and advanced organic chemistry on a tertiary level.
• Be able to learn various teaching philosophies and approaches in order to apply them during teaching and learning activities.
• Knowledge of and experience in the supervision of postgraduate studies in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Ability to secure external funding.
• Excellent computer skills, which include knowledge of relevant research and teaching software such as MS Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as advanced software such as Mestre Suite, Topspin.
• Written language ability with respect to spelling, grammar and punctuation to write scientific manuscripts.
• Excellent communication skills within the scientific community through presentations and publications.
• Demonstration of language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Illustrate potential to obtain NRF rating within the near future.
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge within the organic chemistry research field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good administrative, planning and coordinating skills.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Commitment to collegiality.
• Commitment to transformation.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate in teams.
• An innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ in both teaching and research.
• Student orientated, reliable, and a sense of responsibility
• Appreciation of the role of support staff and treating them with respect and dignity.
• Ability to function under pressure.

Apply by: 16 January 2026

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The purpose of this position is to provide a general and subject-specific information service to library users, including in-depth assistance to undergraduate, postgraduate students, researchers, and academic staff; to provide instruction and assistance in identifying, evaluating, and interpreting appropriate information sources to become independent information users; to market library services and sources; to identify and recommend relevant information sources for acquisition in collaboration with academic staff, to support research, teaching and learning, support with information literacy instruction, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advanced and General information service

• The provision of a subject-specific information service and in-depth assistance to postgraduates, researchers and academic staff of assigned subjects by making use of the latest databases and subject-related information sources.
• The provision of an alert service as needed.
• Monitoring the latest developments in information technology.
• Dealing with general information requests, the discerning handling of electronic requests, diverse and day users and the use of printed and electronic sources for answering requests from all categories of users.
• Arrange and provide training for academic staff in the faculty.
• Conduct duties at the Information Desk when required.
• Keeping daily statistics of information transactions on the statistical tool.
• Liaison with Faculties regarding their information needs.
• Conducting information needs analysis for the faculty on a yearly basis.
• Articulate and promote, within the library and across campus, the library's role in developing student literacy skills.
• Ad Hoc Tasks requested by the Director: Information and Learning Services or Manager Information Services.
• Willingness to work evening shifts and Saturdays.
• Provide monthly Lib Appointment statistics. 

Train and educate clients in the use of information resources and services (Information Literacy Support)

• Develop a yearly training plan for library users.
• Organize and conduct information literacy programmes and training workshops for the assigned faculty.
• Co-ordinate and provide training for compulsory modules with information literacy components (e.g. ALDE).
• Continuous informal instruction and orientation to visitors, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the use of the library and information sources.
• Training class groups formally, according to need, in the use of relevant databases to empower them to work independently.
• In collaboration with Faculty Librarians at other campuses develop and conduct generic training sessions for the entire faculty simultaneously.
• Schedule monthly sessions and keep statistics of the group and individual training.
• Participate in library orientation, Open Days and EPEs.
• Formal training of individual users or groups in information skills on relevant information sources to empower them to be skilled in information retrieval.
• Update information literacy statistics on the statistical platforms.
• Attend training initiatives for information literacy when organised.
• Ensure information literacy outcomes are embedded in some modules in the assigned Faculty.
• Conduct information literacy programmes in different student environments.
• Train library users on current technological tools related to teaching and learning.
• Provide guidance to users on inter-library loan (ILL) options.
• Statistical report prepared for the faculty board quarterly.
• Conduct regular training evaluation.
• Market and promote library surveys in the faculty.

Stakeholder Liaison and Engagement

• Contribute to the development of a yearly marketing plan
• Liaison with academic staff and researchers on their information and training needs, collection building, test databases and introduction of the library and its services.
• Liaison with lecturers and researchers of different schools and focus groups with regard to their information and training needs, collection development and trial databases.
• Participate in marketing initiatives on the assigned campus.
• Attendance at Faculty events and meetings including all Faculty Boards, all Faculty Teaching and Learning Meetings and others and providing a report
• Participation in the ILS Knowledge Sharing Platform
• Participate in Faculty Librarian meetings with Faculty Librarians at other campuses.
• Plan, support and participate in library marketing events
• Collaborate with other librarians internally and externally
• Update library content on assigned platforms
• Regular onboarding of new academics in your respective faculty
• Regular faculty visits on predetermined days (rove and roam)
• Tailor-make training programmes to accommodate all students and staff
• Communicate the availability of new research tools to the faculty.

Collection Development and Management

• Implement proactive measures to identify gaps in the collection and make recommendations for acquisition.
• Involvement with the identification and selection of subject related databases.
• Recommendation of new information material
• Continuous needs assessment of the latest information material.
• Sending recommendations to Information Resources and continuous control of status of orders.
• Management of the available funds in the book budget of the appointed faculties and subject groups.
• Weeding and maintenance of the state and usability of sources and the withdrawal of unused material.
• Identifying latest trends in collection development and management
• Evaluate collections of information resources of your faculties once per year.
• Draft and submit collection development plan to the Manager.
• Regular attendance of trainings offered by different database vendors.
• Maintain and update different faculty Libguides
• Regular liaison with the faculty on the availability of their information resources needs.
• Conduct collection review exercises in line with the LIS DOP

Occupational Health and Safety

• Participate in Library OHS Meetings.
• Be part of an OHS sub-committee (e.g. First Aid).
• Provide regular OHS reports as required.
• Report any OHS matters to the Department OHS Chair.
• Participate in OHS activities for example fire drill.

Research Support Services

• Raise awareness in the faculty on Open Access platforms in the LIS such as transformative agreements
• Collaborate with the research and open scholarship teams to deliver workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one support focused on enhancing their research capabilities.
• Provide advanced information literacy to postgraduates and researchers.
• Arrange for the training of users in the use of citation software in the faculty.
• Co-ordinate ROSS services within the faculty
• Collaborate with Research Visibility and Open Scholarship (ROSS) unit: Co-host 1 training session per semester with the ROSS unit to educate researchers /Faculty staff on tools and strategies for enhancing visibility
• Provide researcher and faculty or school bibliometric reports
• Compile and submit monthly statistics on research support services to Line Manager.

Minimum requirements

• A B. Lib, B. Inf, or a B degree plus postgraduate diploma in Library and/ or Information Science (NQF8).
• Registration with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in general and advanced information service to academic users on different levels.
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience working in different sections of an academic library.

RECOMMENDATIONS/ ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Additional postgraduate qualification related to Library and Information Science.
• Knowledge of changing trends in the library environment.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of different printed and electronic information sources, including the search logic thereof.
• The ability to keep and update relevant information regarding users and information sources ready and effectively
• Computer literate with sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Knowledge of the latest developments regarding information technology.
• Knowledge of and insight into the academic structure and research activities on the campus.
• The ability to liaise with assigned academic departments on all library matters.
• The ability to function as part of a team or independently.
• Demonstration of language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Strong inclination towards client services.
• Insight into the research needs of postgraduates.
• Time management.
• Good judgement and decision-making skills.
• The ability to interact with users on different levels and to assess users’ information literacy skills.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Comprehension of the broader context of the academic learning environment.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• A love of knowledge and learning, computer / technologically oriented.
• Organizational skills, client-service oriented; ability to provide formal training; adaptability; team player.
• Friendly; good interpersonal relations; ability to function independently and as part of a team.
• Ethical; ability to work on different levels; good insight into the needs of postgraduate users.

Apply by: 23 January 2026

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Responsible for work management, coordination and completion sign off (Inspection, planning and scheduling of work) and all services within facilities maintenance or construction responsibilities, management of service contracts including contract management and execution in line with procured service standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work management and scheduling

• Inspecting, assessing, and assigning approved work and services to service providers, ensure that service providers/contracts /internal staff execute work correctly, timely and according to the required standards or service levels.
• Implement, utilize and update IWMS System to plan and execute work procedures (Planned or Scheduled maintenance programs).
• Managing the Work packages or work orders throughout all the statuses and project/contract phases.
• Emergency work management and scheduling of the work and informing all stakeholders

Work Inspection and Planning

• Identify and report on all defects and non – compliance in the approved specification or contract deliverables/IWMS system and generating default lists either by means of generating Work orders daily or submitting site instructions for correction.
• Record all deferred maintenance items and report to Maintenance Planner. Execute Basic Condition Assessments as per Condition Assessment Plans.

Contract Management and Administration

• Ensure that all maintenance work orders are completed within the conditions of Contract, specifications, quality standards, safety compliance and according to contract rates, apply corrective measures. Adjust and maintain contracts specification to ensure quality of service. Ensure compliance with all mandatory requirements. 

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain good communication with all stakeholders, develop and create the process of engaging with all stakeholders and feedback process (staff, students, and Service Providers).
• Provide and plan work for service contractors to have access to areas where work needs to be carried out. Engage stakeholders and create awareness procedures (to inform occupants or users in advance, if access is required in advance to perform work).

Budget management (Cost efficiency and effectiveness)

• Check and manage activities; repair and maintenance work are carried out to acceptable levels and standards. Timely completion of work and cost effectiveness.

Procurement

• Facilitate the process of procuring services as and when required by obtaining quotations following Procurement Policy and prescripts of NWU. Assigning work to Service contracts and making sure that work and costs comply with contract requirements as per specifications.

Implement safe working environment

• Responsible for assigning work, for safety implementation and that work is carried out in accordance with OHS standards and legal safety requirements enforce safety management procedures for all service contracts and working as per safety management.

Minimum requirements

• An advanced diploma or degree (NQF Level 7) in Building Environment or related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ technical experience related to the building trades environment.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ supervisory experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES

• Technical or project management certificate (NQF Level 4).
• Accreditation to engineering/labour department/specialisation or relevant bodies.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in contract management.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Managing of Service level agreements of Service Contracts.
• Formal written Communication skills.
• Knowledge of Facilities Management System.
• Computer Literacy: MS Excel.
• Advanced Knowledge of building Quality standards and regulations.
• Knowledge of OHS act.
• Ability to interpret building drawings.
• Knowledge of safe working practices.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Enthusiastic team player with positive social and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and innovative technical problem solver.
• Able to operate without full-time supervision.
• Control oriented person.
• Customer centric OR customer – orientated person.

Apply by: 15 January 2026

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Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To create a safe and secure environment for students, academic staff, support staff, contractors and visitors (Campus Community) at the North- West University through management and control of team members, response to reported incidents and informing management accordingly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Communication and Stakeholder Relations

• Communicate effectively with all clients regarding Protection Services through encounters at different deployments
• Assist and ensure compliance with the NWU Potchefstroom Campus safety and security regulations and standard operating procedures.

Crime Information Management

• Ensure that crime, incidents, and information are captured on Chase and Property Register.
• Ensure that crime information received is reported to the Control Officer and necessary documents are completed.

Operations

• To monitor Fire detection and Intruder alarms, CCTV and to report dysfunctional cameras.
• To act in the best safety and security interest of NWU Potchefstroom Campus Community.
• To dispatch first responders to attend to a reported incident.
• Ensure that key control is done efficiently.
• Regular consistent radio and telephone communication.
• Effective incident management.
• Ensure that all faults and deviations reported are captured timeously.

 Security

• Capturing deployment(s) on Chase.
• Constant surveillance on hotspots areas.

Disaster Management

• Disaster management compliance, ensuring that there are immediate responses to relevant disasters.
• Internal and external stakeholder communication with reference to incident response management plans and catastrophic incidents.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication (by radio and telephone) skills to effectively function within a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• Advanced Computer literacy skills (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and email program).
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting System
• Ability to work according to planning schedules with measurable intermediate goals.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• The proven ability to work with precision under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Excellent judgement skills
• Excellent communication
• Must be able to function in a team context especially during unrest or other situations that may arise.
• Customer service oriented.
• Interpersonal skills

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4).
• PSIRA Grade A or B Certificate
• Valid driver's license
• A minimum of one (1) year’ Security Industry and Law Enforcement working experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Valid Code C1 driver’s license
• More than three (3) years working experience in Security at a Higher Educational Institution.

Apply by: 12 January 2026

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Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The Laboratory and Safety Coordinator is essential to ensure the efficient, safe, and legally compliant operation of the research facilities at the Biochemistry subject group and Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet). This role will provide dedicated oversight to laboratory operations, enforce safety protocols, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Laboratory safety

• Audits, reports, meetings, inspections, legal compliance, supervision, after-hours availability, incident investigation, risk assessment, advanced safety courses.

Research and innovation:

• Reception, handling and distribution of chemicals and consumables.

Building and laboratory infrastructure & machinery

• Legal compliance, record keeping, maintenance, asset management, monitoring freezer breakdowns (after-hours).

Bio (human and animal) sample management

• Implement and maintain the necessary legal requirements related to the shipping, handling, tracking and disposal of biological (human and animal) samples.

Waste management

• Legal compliance, disposal, chemical handling (dangerous materials), storage.

Laboratory Administration

• Knowledge of KFS, general administration, record keeping.

Ad hoc tasks

• As directed by the Deputy Director.

Occupational Health and Safety

• Under health and safety law, each employee must take care of their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by the employee’s actions/omissions at work.

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12 (NQF level 4) 
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in general administration duties and asset management. 

RECOMMENDATIONS/ ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Basic laboratory safety and management 
• Knowledge of chemical handling 

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Problem solving, identifying issues & resolving 
• Effective time management
• Effective communication skills with students, colleagues & NWU Stakeholders
• Excellent computer skills with proven competency in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Language proficient in a multi-lingual environment

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team 
• Ability to function under pressure
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement service.

Apply by: 12 January 2026