PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To provide academic leadership in Crop Protection through excellence in teaching and learning, research, postgraduate supervision, and community engagement. The incumbent will develop graduates capable of designing sustainable, economically viable and environmentally responsible pest management strategies while contributing to the growth of the Agriculture Subject Group through scholarly research, external funding, industry collaboration and curriculum development. Additionally, the incumbent will be required to lead the development and approval process of a new academic program (BSc Agric with Agronomy and Crop Protection). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.      Teaching and Learning:

• Coordinate and teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Crop Protection, Integrated Pest Management and related disciplines; develop innovative learning materials; supervise practical and field-based training; assess student learning; continuously improve curricula in line with industry developments.

2.      Research and Innovation:

• Serve Establish an active research programme in Crop Protection; publish in accredited journals; present research at conferences; secure external funding; develop collaborative research with industry and government. 

3.      Postgraduate Supervision:

• Recruit, supervise and mentor Honours, MSc and PhD students; develop research capacity; ensure timely completion of postgraduate projects.

4.      Community Engagement and Industry Collaboration:

• Build partnerships with producers, commodity organisations, industry, extension services and government departments; provide specialist knowledge transfer and participate in outreach activities. 

5.      Academic Administration:

• Coordinate modules; participate in subject group, school and faculty committees; assist with accreditation, quality assurance and programme review; contribute to student recruitment and marketing activities.

6.      Leadership and Mentorship:

• Mentor junior academics and postgraduate students; contribute to strategic planning within the subject group; promote a positive academic culture.

7.      Professional Development;

• Maintain disciplinary expertise through continuous professional development and participation in relevant professional bodies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD in Crop Protection, Weed Sciences, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Integrated Pest Management, or a closely related Crop Protection field (NQF Level 10).
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in university teaching, including independent lecturing and module coordination.
• A minimum of three (3) years' research experience, with publications in accredited journals.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in postgraduate supervision, including Honours, MSc, and PhD.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A MSc in Crop Protection, Plant Protection, or Integrated Pest Management (NQF Level 9)
• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• A Membership of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology and/or the Entomological Society of Southern Africa.
• Experience in grant acquisition for external funding applications.
• Experience in industry collaboration, including agricultural extension, producer organisations, or commercial agriculture

  KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

   The successful candidate should demonstrate expertise in:

• Crop Protection and Integrated Pest Management principles.
• Research design and experimental methodologies.
• Statistical analysis of agricultural experiments.
• Postgraduate supervision.
• Laboratory and field research management.
• Risk assessment and environmental impact of pest management practices.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

•  Student-centred teaching philosophy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Problem-solving and sound judgement.
• Relationship building with industry stakeholders.
• Accountability and professional responsibility.
• Critical and systems thinking

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 G Du Preez on Gerhard.DuPreez@nwu.ac.za

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Dolly Lebepe on 018 299 4936

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                             12 August 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.

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