The Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU) is known for high-quality engineering education, applied research and strong engagement with industry and society. The Faculty emphasises student-centred teaching, professional formation and industry relevance, with research increasingly organised around thematic areas such as mining, energy, water and sustainability. The School of Industrial Engineering (SIE) focuses on the design and improvement of complex socio-technical systems through engineering methods, optimisation and data-driven decision-making. The School’s programme portfolio includes a professionally accredited BEng in Industrial Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma programmes in Industrial Engineering with specialisations in Sustainability and Data Analytics.

We are currently recruiting Industrial Engineering academics who wish to contribute to teaching, research and industry engagement, and to join the School on this exciting journey of growth and impact. Specifically, we are looking for academics who specialise in Industrial Engineering topics like: numerical methods, machine learning, data analytics, operations research, business engineering and simulation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning

• Preparation of study guides and subject material.
• Delivery of lectures and practical sessions.
• Marking and assessments.
• General module administration.

Research

• Conduct research towards own qualification.
• Supervision of postgraduate students.
• Involvement in professional/academic societies.

Community engagement/Commercialization

• Development of and involvement in community and/or commercialisation initiatives.

Program Development

• Development of specialist programs that directly addresses industry needs (Professor / Associate Professor level).

Final year supervision

• Topic selection and general guidance to students.
• Liaising with external clients.
• Frequent project meetings with students.

School Administration

• Representation at marketing events.
• Involvement in Engineering Schools.
• Representation on Faculty-specific committees.
• General office administration.

FOR ALL POSITIONS:

• An appropriate Industrial Engineering B.Eng/ BSc.Eng degree that allows for registration as Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA, http://ecsa.co.za), in terms of the Washington accord.

In addition to the above;

PROFESSOR:

• A PhD in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 10) or related field.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years’ appropriate work experience of which at least five (5) years in a Higher Education context.
• NRF-rating or a research portfolio that can immediately qualify for NRF-rating.

• A PhD in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 10) or related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ appropriate work experience of which at least three (3) years in a Higher Education context.
• A research trajectory that can qualify for NRF-rating within the next three year.

SENIOR LECTURER:

• A PhD in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 10) or related field OR a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 9) or related field combined with ECSA professional registration as an Industrial Engineer.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ appropriate work experience of which at least two (2) years in a Higher Education context.

LECTURER:

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 9) or related field OR a B.Eng degree in Industrial Engineering (NQF level 9) combined with ECSA professional registration as an Industrial Engineer.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ appropriate work experience.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

FOR ALL POSITIONS:

• ECSA Registration as Professional Engineer.
• Specialist knowledge in the topics listed above.

In your cover letter indicate current progress towards professional registration. If your B.Eng/ BScEng qualification is not from a South African university, please submit a MIE or SAQA verification accreditation certificate together with your application as proof that you are either registered or registrable as a professional engineer through ECSA (https://www.ecsa.co.za/accreditation-training/education-evaluation/).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Teaching and learning experience in the undergraduate and postgraduate fields.
• Leadership skills.
• Good management skills and ability to operate under pressure.
• Research skills.
• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email and internet.
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance.
• Research methodology and technical writing.
• A proven commitment to teaching and learning, including a willingness to become involved in students’ educational development and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of modern platforms (e.g. whiteboard technology, eFundi, etc.) to enhance the ongoing changing of the learning and collaboration environment.
• Effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal relations and a client-service orientation.
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various functionally multilingual environments of the NWU.
• The ability to function well individually and as part of a team/subject group.
• Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as ability to be self-driven.
• The ability to solve problems independently.
• Good planning and organising skills as well as good report writing skills.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced work precision and good organizational ability.
• The ability to function optimally in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and high-pressure work environment.
• Decision-making skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Confidence.
• Self-motivation.
• Critical thinking.
• Accountable.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Joke Buhrmann on 018 299 4884

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993

CLOSING DATE: 20 April 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

 Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.  

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here ®