Bloemfontein: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Plant Sciences) (Job ID: 6378) posted by University of the Free State

About the Role

The University of the Free State is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Plant Sciences to join its academic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology, and Plant Biotechnology, as well as providing supervision to postgraduate students. They will also establish a research group with external funds in their field of specialization and contribute to curriculum development within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology, and Plant Biotechnology.
• Provide supervision to postgraduate students (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels).
• Establish a research group with external funds in their field of specialization.
• Publish research outputs in accredited national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the department.
• Perform general administration duties.
• Take part in community development activities.

Requirements

• Lecturer A: PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/Plant Physiology/Plant Biochemistry/Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biotechnology (for a permanent appointment) or Masters degree on NQF Level 9 in Botany/Plant Physiology/Plant Biochemistry/Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biotechnology (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/Plant Physiology/Plant Biochemistry/Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biotechnology MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment).
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.

Senior Lecturer

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Botany/Plant Physiology/Plant Biochemistry/Plant Molecular Biology/Plant Biotechnology.
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.
• 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 masters degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.

Required Competencies

• Results Orientated:
• 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 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 self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Assumption of Duties

01 June 2026

Closing Date

23 March 2026

Salary

The salary is available on request.