Recruitment Openings at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

• Exercise executive oversight of professional support departments such as Human Resources, University
• Estates, Protection Services, Information, Communication and Technology Services and the related operations functions of the South, Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.
• Develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational plans in respect of this portfolio.
• Promote integrated administration and process management that supports the attainment of Vision 130.
• Oversee relevant policy development and implementation.
• Assist the Vice Chancellor and Principal in constituting an effective two-way interface between the governance functions of the Council and the executive management of the institution.
• Line manage and lead senior staff, including senior directors.
• Foster collegial and participatory internal governance through the committee system.
• Strengthen the UFS strategy to ensure an ethical and value-driven organisation by serving on and engaging in campus-wide forums relating to ethics and values, among other things.
• Engage with recognised employee unions on a regular basis to achieve a common and balanced understanding of university matters.
• Facilitate collaboration between faculties and support departments.
• Be accountable for cross-functional strategic projects.

Inherent requirements

• A master’s degree on NQF Level 9 or a professional equivalent.
• A minimum of ten years’ relevant experience in management positions, of which at least five years should be at a senior level reporting to a Vice-Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer or President of a large and diverse organisation.
• A demonstrated track record managing an equally complex portfolio and running a large operation with experience in human resource management, information and communication technologies and facilities management.
• A track record of advancing transformation in the workplace.

Recommendations

• A management qualification.
• Five years’ experience in a university or equivalent setting.
• An understanding of developments in the higher-education arena nationally.
• Project management skills.
• A PhD degree

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Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in the following areas: interdiciplanary applied physics with HPC support.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of ISI DHET– accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. 
• The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Focus on interdisciplinary work in a group environment in the interface of physics, engineering, and mathematics, in a leading position.
• Translate methods to other interested researchers from other fields.
• Spend time in the different research groups that support the main project outcomes.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research Development. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State. 
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (physics, theoretical physics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, medical physics or equivalent) within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the Bloemfontein Campus of UFS.
• Experience with complex systems’ analysis and dealing with data collection, curation, and interpretation.
• Focused on interdisciplinary work in a group environment in the interface of physics, engineering, medicine and mathematics, in a leading position.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Strong background with a high-level programming language, preferentially Python but MATLAB, R, C++, Julia serve similarly. 
• Knowledge of High-Performance Computing and implementation of such environments would be beneficial.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Conceptualise and write funding proposals in collaboration with project leaders and fundraisers.
• Execute writing and editing tasks to support the work of Department, including compiling content for the website, as well as newsletters and reports to funders.
• Conduct all aspects of qualitative prospect research information and use the information to support, inform and advise on the UFS relationship-based fundraising and engagement activities, ensuring that they are as effective and efficient as possible.
• Ensure that the Institutional database is correct and current and record information that is relevant to the UFS fundraising initiatives and to its alumni engagement strategies.
• Assist with the department stewardship programme including drafting and dispatching thank you letters, compiling invitation lists for events and managing event RSVPs.
• Compile and edit minutes of Institutional Advancement meetings that involve other departments at the UFS.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 in Communications or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6 in Communications.
• A minimum of two (2) years relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of eCRM databases (Microsoft Access will qualify) – (minimum 6 months required)
• Knowledge of prospect/leads research.
• Experience in social media.

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working in a Higher Education environment.
• Knowledge of statistics.
• Knowledge of POPIA

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Responsible in the preparation of meals in the dining halls for clientele to a high standard.
• Assisting at Kovsie Inn as per operational requirements
• In addition will assist with functions in accordance with the business requirements.
• Assist in operating commercial cooking equipment such as stoves, cookers, ovens and fryers.
• Make sure that food supplies are stored properly and used resourcefully.
• Ensure that food items are properly rotated in refrigerators and any near expiry ones are dealt with according to the health and safety policies.
• Help chefs in cooking activities by providing input and managing work.
• Set up food stations by following chefs’ orders.
• Make sure that recipes are followed properly during food preparation and cooking time.
• Handle portion control requirements and presentation standards.
• Arrange food items aesthetically on serving plates.
• Make sure that the kitchen is clean and always organised.
• Ensure that best food practices and kitchen hygiene protocol is adhered to.
• Provide guidance to kitchen staff in upholding high culinary standards.
• Make sure that all leftover food is stored properly.
• Assist in checking food deliveries for both quantity and quality standards.
• Provide input into stock rotation activities and make sure that food inventory is in check.

Inherent requirements:

• A qualification in food preparation and cooking from a recognised and accredited culinary institution equivalent to a National Vocational Certificate on NQF level 4.
• Minimum of one (1) year's relevant working experience in the Hospitality industry as a chef (including experiential training as a chef).

Recommendations:

• Relevant work experience as a breakfast chef.
• Working knowledge of HACCP standards.
• A qualification in Occupational Health and Safety will serve as a strong recommendation.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Natural Sciences Education mainly and/or Life Sciences Education modules.
• Participate in the Work Integrated Learning programme of the faculty (Teaching Practice).
• Ensure active involvement in research activities of faculty.
• Contribute to curriculum development in the field of Natural Sciences Education specifically and Education generally.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the faculty.
• Contribute to leadership and administrative tasks related to the faculty.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A doctoral degree with Science Education and/or Biology Education on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment) 

OR 

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

Recommendation: 

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

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach and assess undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Supervise LLM/LLD/PhD students.
• Provide quality research outputs.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Perform faculty committee duties where applicable.
• Perform general administration duties as applicable at faculty and/or university level.

Inherent requirements:

Senior Lecturer:

• A relevant LLD / PhD on NQF Level 10. 
• Evidence of experience and excellence in teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate including postgraduate supervision up to doctoral level and curriculum and/or programme development.
• A proven research profile of discipline-specific peer reviewed publications over a sustained period of time, in national and international accredited journals of high impact.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers at both national and international scholarly conferences.

Associate Professor:

• A relevant LLD / PhD on NQF Level 10. 
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences.
• Act 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 appropriate NRF rating or evidence of potential for such rating.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated masters’ students.

Professor:

• A relevant LLD / PhD on NQF Level 10. 
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular area of academic scholarship 
• An appropriate NRF rating or potential for such rating.
• Demonstrate successful supervision of graduated Master’s and preferably graduated doctoral students.

Recommendations:

• A strong interest in research & teaching. 
• Good interpersonal relationships. 
• Practical experience. 
• NRF rating (for Professor/Associate Professor)

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Duties and responsibilities:

Administrative Duties 

• Plan the diaries for mental health professionals. 
• Screen students before referring to the social worker. 
• Provide administrative support to the social worker and SCD. 
• Open client files and filing duties. 
• Capture data on an electronic system. 
• Respond to e-mails. 
• Responsible for general office administration. 
• Order Office Supplies. 
• Book meetings when necessary. 
• Compile agendas and minutes. 
• Make travel arrangements and accommodation. 
• Prepare and manage student correspondence. 
• Distribute food packs to students. 
• Assist with SCD Projects as needed.
• Assist with Student Affairs administrative matters where needed. 

Reception Duties 

• Receive clients at reception and attend to department telephone calls/appointments/enquiries. 
• Schedule appointments and notify the mental health professionals of client arrivals. 
• Quality control of the reception area. 
• Collaborate with a student administrative intern. 
• Accept Office deliveries. 
• Deal with correspondence and queries. 
• Assist with reception duties at SCD, QwaQwa campus, where needed. 

Financial Administration 

• Manage the financial entities in collaboration with the Director: SCD. 
• Bill (Invoices). 
• Perform Service Requests. 
• Request Quotes /Ordering and preparing Requisitions. 
• Budget - With Director. 
• Basic bookkeeping of expenditure. 
• Order office supplies, stationery, and equipment. 
• Capture, approve, report and follow up on job requests for maintenance and repairs where needed. 
• Generate cost centre reports. 

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/ BTech degree/ postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6. 
• A minimum of One (1) year relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Two to three years’ experience in working with students, or young adults, in an administrative manner.
• Proven experience in working with Microsoft Programmes.
• Proven experience in working with financial systems and programmes. 
• Effective Time Management Skills and ability to work under pressure. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to function with ease in a professional team.
• Sesotho and/or Zulu speaking 
• Experience in working with students in a counselling setting within Higher Education 
• Experience in working with the UFS financial systems. 

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop postgraduate modules in the Health Professions Programme in consultation with the Head of the division, taking into account the candidates’ field of expertise.
• Develop and revise modules in a team context.
• Provide study guidance to master's students (mini-dissertations and dissertations) and PhD students in the Health Professions Education Programme.
• Provide expert input while evaluating research projects (protocols).
• Provide academic support and development to postgraduate students.
• Research and analyse models of teaching, learning and assessment theories and best practices in Health Sciences Education.
• Assist with the design and maintenance of the Health Professions Education Programmes on UFS Learning Management Systems (e.g., Blackboard).
• Participate fully in the design, administration, implementation and evaluation of faculty development activities as determined in the Division Health Sciences Education.
• Provide instructional inputs to working groups, committees and information sessions offered to academic staff.
• Plan, manage and execute research projects.
• Conduct research on Health Professions Education with the aim to gather information and keep abreast of developments in this field.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Health Professions Education.
• Professionally qualified as a healthcare professional and registered with the relevant professional body in a Health Sciences discipline with a minimum of five (5) years' work experience.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster and oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of published manuscripts in accredited journals.
• At least two years' experience in postgraduate teaching / supervision / lecturing / staff development/ research I academic support and development.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• 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.
• 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:

• Registration with the HPCSA or SANC as applicable.