PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of the one-year appointment is to provide specialist clinical pharmacology and clinical expertise to support the development, integration and coordination of the MBChB curriculum. The Specialist Clinical Pharmacologist, with extensive clinical experience and specialist medical practitioner expertise, will contribute to the development and strengthening of clinical pharmacology content. They will also facilitate the vertical and horizontal integration of the MBChB curriculum from Module 3, which focuses on health and normal functioning, to Modules 4, 5 and 6, which address pathology, dysfunction, disequilibrium and pharmacological intervention. In addition, the incumbent will serve as the Foundational Phase Coordinator, providing academic coordination and oversight to promote integration, alignment and continuity across the foundational phase of the MBChB programme.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Learning

• Support curriculum development related to Clinical Pharmacology throughout the Foundational and Intermediate Phases.

• Support the development of assessment related to the Foundational and Intermediate Phases.

Clinical skills curriculum support 

• Support curriculum development related to Clinical Pharmacology as part of clinical skills across Modules 4, 5 and 6.

Leadership and professional role modelling

• Coordinate the Foundational Phase of the MBChB programme, mentor staff and students in professionalism, communication and patient-centred care.

Ad hoc clinical and research work

• Support the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in ad hoc clinical and research work.

• A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent (NQF level 8).
• A postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacology (NQF level 9).
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or equivalent recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Clinical Pharmacology.
• Eligibility to practice clinically in South Africa as a Clinical Pharmacologist.
• Minimum 1 – 2-years’ clinical practice experience - independent clinical practice as a Clinical Pharmacologist.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Additional postgraduate qualifications in any applicable clinical discipline (NQF level 9).
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ clinical teaching experience i.e., teaching and mentoring medical students and interns.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Coordinate, support, and facilitate curriculum development activities from facilitation of co-construction meetings to the development of learning objectives, learning materials, and the selection of learning resources, and participate in the instructional design process considering all NQF levels, the MBChB programme outcomes and Modules 1-3 and participation in curriculum development in Modules 4-6, considering the requirements of an integrated spiral curriculum.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical Pharmacology AND general medical practice, including common acute and chronic conditions, patient assessment and management relevant to undergraduate clinical training.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate core clinical skills, including patient history-taking, physical examination, procedural techniques, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making.
• Knowledge of structured assessment methods, including OSCEs, workplace-based assessments and formative clinical skills evaluations.
• Understanding of the South African public health system, referral pathways and service delivery context in which graduates will practise.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of teaching activities, student assessments and training outcomes.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates ethical conduct, respect for patients and colleagues, and adherence to professional standards expected of medical practitioners.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, academic staff, healthcare professionals and patients.
• Commitment to supporting student learning, development and wellbeing in a safe and inclusive educational environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic staff, clinicians, simulation technicians and administrative personnel.
• Willingness to adopt new teaching approaches, educational technologies and simulation methodologies.
• Ability to serve as a role model for professional behaviour and guide students in the development of clinical competence and professional identity.
• Ability to respond effectively to unexpected teaching or simulation challenges and adapt training activities accordingly.
• Demonstrates ongoing engagement in professional learning related to clinical practice and medical education.

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. Binu Luke on Binu.Luke@nwu.ac.za

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

CLOSING DATE: 25 October 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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