Job Description

Title of Position
Associate Professor
Post Number
Old ITS 3038 New ITS A806
Faculty/Department
University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Biotechnology
Type of Position
Permanent - Full Time
Length of Contract Period
N/A
Location
Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
31/12/2025
Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. Led by its commitment to research and engaged teaching, UWC is recognised for its proud history and as an aspirational example of a university shaping developments within an ever-changing and challenging global context.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences hosts nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and several world-class research institutes and centres. Based on a foundation of internationally-recognised quality research, the faculty is committed to learning and teaching excellence and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines as well as a professional degree in Pharmacy.
The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a self-funded flagship research entity within the Department of Biotechnology. Renowned for advancing high-impact, interdisciplinary research in microbial biotechnology and bioinnovation, IMBM's work is strategically aligned with both national imperatives and global scientific frontiers. The Institute contributes meaningfully to undergraduate teaching, while playing a central role in postgraduate training, infrastructure stewardship, and the cultivation of research excellence. Through cutting-edge "omics" approaches and industry-driven microbial technologies, IMBM drives UWC's strategic research agenda via well-established national and international collaborations. The post is available from 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate levels in biochemistry
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment
• Lead independent high-impact research initiatives aligned with the institute's strategic focus areas, enhancing international visibility and academic reputation
• Undertake undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral supervision in microbial biotechnology contributing to research productivity and capacity building
• Provide academic leadership and administration
• Participate in community engagement and outreach
• Contribute meaningfully to the financial sustainability of the IMBM beyond the scope of individual research projects. This includes securing external and donor funding to support operational and strategic activities, cultivating industry partnerships, leading collaborative grant initiatives, and advancing income-generating platforms such as core research facilities, contract research services, and intellectual property commercialization.
• Fulfil any other duties as assigned by the IMBM Director

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in the field of Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching within the field of biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Biochemistry
• A strong record of quality, internationally peer reviewed publications in the field of microbial biotechnology
• An excellent record of successful postgraduate supervision at MSc and PhD level
• A demonstrated track record of securing competitive funding from diverse external sources as the principal investigator
• Evidence of expertise, national standing, and an international presence in the field of microbial biotechnology

Required competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability, buy-in and leadership as a senior member of a diverse and self-funded research environment
• Student-focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

Added advantage and preferences:

• An NRF rating
• Leadership position in a professional microbiological society
• Experience and leadership in laboratory management
• Leadership in international consortia
• Patents emanating from research conducted, and/or involvement in innovation activities with industry

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.
To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Skills Required