Senior Lecturer P000026
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHER) is a research unit within the Faculty of Health Sciences and unique to the R&I in Higher Education in South Africa. AUTHER hosts several research projects with various focuses, including implementation of positive psychology principles to improve the psychosocial well-being in communities, mental health epidemiology, transdisciplinary health sciences, health promotion, epidemiology and statistics/biostatistics. Despite our diversity, all of our research is underpinned by two essential principles: co-creation of knowledge through interdisciplinarity and community integration. With our research, we strive to make an impact beyond academia. The purpose of this position is for a senior lecturer to contribute significantly to addressing complex health challenges within resource-limited communities in the fields of Applied Positive Psychology, Transdisciplinary Health Sciences, Health Promotion, Epidemiology and Sustainable Community Development. The appointee will be required to play a key role in the Master of Arts in Positive Psychology programme, lecture to master’s students in Positive Psychology and Transdisciplinary Health Sciences, supervise postgraduate students in Positive Psychology and Transdisciplinary Health Sciences, contribute to research output by means of publications and conference proceedings and participate in community-integrated research projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching – Learning including postgraduate supervision:
- Effective teaching – learning practices in Positive Psychology.
- Design, develop, evaluate and improve study guides and curricula as needed.
- Demonstrate advanced lecturing and practical skills in Positive Psychology and Transdisciplinary Health Sciences.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive teaching – learning academic environment.
Research and innovation activity:
- Be responsible for the conceptualisation, planning, collection, outputs, ethics, integrity and research data management of projects
- Design and conduct research projects, write research reports and prepare applications for research funding.
- Consult regularly with scientists and researchers from different disciplines on the design and analysis of studies.
- Keep current with the latest statistical methods and research methodology to address study requirements.
- Communicate research outcomes through publishing in accredited refereed journals and presenting at scientific conferences and to relevant audiences.
- Develop, maintain and support fund applications and research databases.
- Review case report forms for assigned studies to ensure data is collected appropriately to conduct the analysis defined in the protocol.
Leadership, management and service to the university:
- Can fulfil an active and dynamic leadership role in the development of Positive Psychology locally, nationally and internationally.
- Develop and maintain strategic and productive research partnerships, connections and relationships with people, groups and organisations at local, national and international levels.
- Build national and international research networks.
- Provide service to the university by contributing to the achievement of its goals.
- Administrative responsibilities in, or on behalf of, the NWU.
Social Responsiveness:
- Maintain involvement in community service through which Positive Psychology is applied.
- Communicate appropriately and effectively to internal and external role-players.
- Embrace engaged scholarship and professional expertise.
- Execute activities by which discipline-based skills and knowledge are made relevant to the community.
Minimum requirements
- Master of Arts / Master of Science in Positive Psychology or related field (NQF level 9)
- Health Professional with statutory registration (HPCSA).
- A proven track record of Positive Psychology-focused publications in accredited journals as first or co-author.
- Experience in using various types of research methodologies.
- Evidence of the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.
- Proof of training in health research ethics.
- Experience in working in a diverse context with effective interpersonal skills
ADDED ADVANTAGE & RECOMMENDATION:
- A PhD in Psychology or related field (NQF level 10).
- Evidence of leadership of a research group.
- A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching and learning at an academic institution with evidence of experience in teaching positive psychology.
- Experience in the management and analysis of epidemiological or clinical data in the field of mental health
- Evidence of postgraduate student supervision in the field of mental health.
KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
- Good research skills and writing abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) and strategic skills.
- Good organisational and administrative skills.
- Problem-solving skills regarding Key Performance Areas.
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Function optimally in a multi-lingual environment
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to function with ease in the university’s richly diverse working environment.
- Have excellent people and conflict resolution skills.
- Apply time management and work independently.
- Be able to work in multidisciplinary – and transdisciplinary groups.
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGADING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Petra Bester on 018 299 2095
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Melissa Freeman on 018 299 4811
CLOSING DATE: 18 December 2024
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications may only 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 the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
