PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences seeks to appoint a suitably qualified applicant to the permanent staff who will contribute actively to the training and education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in Physics and to build the knowledge base of the discipline through teaching, research, academic leadership and mentoring and community engagement. Administration of certain teaching activities within the discipline may also be required. Specialised research and teaching experience aligned with the teaching and research activities of the Physics Subject Group, preferably in: Astrophysics, Space Physics, Material Science or any Applied Physics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Teaching and learning:

• Teach courses as required.
• Quality assurance and management of teaching outputs.
• Drive and manage teaching and learning productivity and outputs.
• Enable technology and new developments to enhance the offering of courses.
• Drive and grow international collaboration.
• Manage and partake in student communication and support activities.
• Review and design academic curricula.
• Developing study material and study guides.

2.     Research and innovation:

• Carry out research and supervise postgraduate students. 
• Conduct and supervise industry directed research projects as required.
• Quality assurance and management of research outputs by staff and students.
• Recommend and guide academic development and capacity building to improve research outputs and manage and coordinate research grants and NRF ratings.
• Drive and grow international collaboration.
• Conduct own research and publication and maintain academic scholarship.
• Support engaged research in the faculty.
• Source research funding.

3.     Community engagement:

• Contribute to community engagement and be involved in the departmental administrative functions.

• A PhD in Physics (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of 3 years’ lecturing experience in a higher education environment.
• Publications in peer reviewed journals with at least 1 as first author.
• Participation in local or international conferences.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision.

RECOMMENDATION / ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• Registration with the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Effective lecturing of undergraduate and post-graduate physics theory courses at university level.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Ability to work under pressure and against tight deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

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:                                    Dr R Setshedi. Tel: 018 389 2126

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE:                                                                   18 July 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.