Job Description

Title of PositionChief OfficerPost NumberS637Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> BiotechnologyType of PositionPermanent - Full TimeLength of Contract PeriodN/ALocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date11/6/2025Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasThe 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 Department of Biotechnology hosted within the Faculty of Natural Sciences is a leading teaching and research department at the University of the Western Cape and delivers structured courses across the underlying disciplines of Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Plant Biotechnology. The Department offers an under-graduate Biotechnology Programme, an Honours BSc, an MSc Biotechnology and a PhD Biotechnology.The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Teaching duties that will include organising and teaching of practical sessions for undergraduate courses;
• Managing procurement processes by liaising with suppliers and coordinating the purchase of equipment, chemicals and consumables required for practical laboratories;
• Managing of technical support staff performance and development;
• Conducting research and supporting research activities, including managing and maintaining shared equipment and facilities to ensure their effective operation and equitable access;
• Assisting and supporting departmental administrative responsibilities;
• Maintaining health and safety standards in laboratory and teaching environments.

Minimum Requirements

• An MSc degree in Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related field;
• At least two years' experience in laboratory practices, including scientific equipment management and maintenance;
• Experience in student administrative systems in the higher education sector.

Required competencies:

• Technical knowledge and experience in training and supervising students in an academic setting;
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal);
• A student-centred approach with a commitment to mentoring and development;
• Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines;
• Experience in administrative systems relevant to the higher education sector;
• Experience in implementing health and safety protocols in laboratory and teaching environments

Added advantage and preferences:

• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting research instruments;
• Involvement in staff development or mentorship initiatives;
• Contribution to strategic planning or departmental management processes;
• A record of participating in science outreach activities

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.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.