PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor should be able to:

• make contributions to the teaching effort of the subject group Consumer Sciences and School of Applied Health Sciences.
• provide supervision to post graduate students, conduct research, and present undergraduate lectures and -practicals in the specialisation areas of Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management and/or Consumer Behaviour Studies.
• collaborate with various relevant role players in the industry.
• build on the existing strengths of the subject group and play a role in scholarship, research, and/or professional activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and learning, including postgraduate supervision

• Support with teaching and learning of undergraduate modules in the specialisation areas of Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management and/or Consumer Behaviour Studies.
• Supervising postgraduate students.
• Conduct of practical classes, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Actively involved in the development of new courses where needed.
• Organise and lead official undergraduate field excursions.

Research, innovation and/or creative outputs

• Initiate research projects in Foods and/or Food-related Consumer Research which will complement the current research focus.
• Apply and obtain grant funding.
• Conduct research, publish and attend Food- and Consumer Science conferences.
• Maintain academic scholarship and involvement in professional activities and contribute to professional organisations.

Academic leadership, management, and service to the University  

• Assists add/or take proactive actions to develop and train students and members of the subject group.
• Serve on related research/ ethics/ integrity/ faculty/ school/ management committees.
• The ability to handle general academic administration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player.
• The ability to serve as a mentor.

Social responsiveness

• Leading in community engagement activities/ projects.
• To develop community focused on Foods and/or Food-related Consumer projects.
• Participate in ongoing community engagement projects.
• Contribute to the development of collaboration with relevant roleplayers in the industry and other institutions to develop, support and maintain positive relationships, in partnership with the subject group.

• A PhD in Consumer Sciences or Food Sciences with specialisation in Foods and/or Food Science and/or Food Product Management (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant research experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.
• A minimum of one (1) year relevant postgraduate student supervision experience in Food- and Consumer Sciences.

In addition to the above:

SENIOR LECTURER:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant teaching experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant teaching experience in Food and Consumer Sciences.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• NRF-rated or must be able to attain an NRF rating within the forthcoming five years.
• Membership with national and international learned scientific societies e.g., SAAFoST/ SAAFECS/ IFT/ IFHE.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Valid drivers' license.
• Computer literate with specific focus of Windows OS and Office 365.
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance.
• A proven commitment to teaching and learning, including a willingness to become involved in students’ educational development and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of modern platforms (to enhance the ongoing changing of the learning and collaboration environment).
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance in the fields of Food- and Consumer Sciences.
• Sound practical experience to lead students in work integrated learning and field excursions.
• A proven publication record in accredited scholarly journals – proven track record with first author collaborative publications.
• Evidence of supervising and successful completion post graduate students (M level and PhD supervision will be an advantage).
• Record of national and international networking, collaboration, and recognition (e.g. NRF evaluation).
• Appropriate language and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to attract undergraduate and postgraduate students to the school.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work without supervision and solve problems as they arise.
• Ability to take initiative.
• The ability to solve problems independently.
• Evidence of leadership skills.
• Good interpersonal relations – Good human relations and a client service orientation.
• The ability to function well individually and as part of a team.
• Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as the ability to be self-driven.
• Good time management and problem-solving skills.
• Good planning and organising skills, as well as good scientific writing skills.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.

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. Sanette Brits on 018 299 2027

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Janine Da Gama on 016 910 3451

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                  25 November 2025             

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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