Job Description

The Anthropology department at the UFS is seeking to fill two Lecturer posts as soon as possible. The incumbents will join a human-centred department that positions students at the core of its business. We have a thriving department that merges diverse theoretical trajectories, multi- and transdisciplinary training and research interests into a common departmental theme that considers all forms of human movement, not merely physical. We are therefore interested in engaging with young scholars who are willing to cut their intellectual teeth in a supportive and collegial environment where everyone's contribution to the intellectual life of the department is valued. If you are committed to creating a world that is safe, supportive, and celebratory of human differences through relevant anthropological research on movement (broadly defined), critical pedagogy, and insightful and robust public engagement, apply now.
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• A cover letter motivating your application.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Facilitate teaching, learning and assessment activities for undergraduate Anthropology students.
• Develop and refine course materials at undergraduate levels.
• Teach undergraduate and potentially postgraduate modules in Anthropology across a diverse curriculum.
• Supervise postgraduate students at Honours, Master's and/or PhD level in one or more thematic areas of Anthropology.
• Conduct research, present findings and publish in Anthropology and/or transdisciplinary journals.
• Be actively involved in all Departmental academic and administrative activities/duties (e.g., audit or accreditation preparations, participation in departmental meetings and gatherings).
• Work to enhance the visibility of the Department at national and international levels.

Inherent requirements:
Lecturer:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Anthropology or related discipline (for a permanent appointment).

or

• Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Anthropology or related discipline (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Anthropology or related discipline MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of research publications that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record (attach).

Recommendations:

• Minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience in an Anthropology department.
• Evidence of excellent teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Experience in mentoring students and/or supervision of postgraduate students.
• Experience in teaching with electronic content management tools such as Blackboard.
• A student-centred teaching and learning approach that centres care and compassion in interactions between pedagogue and student

Competencies
Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
- An awareness of how an academic department functions, and the ability to slot into one easily
- An appreciation and respect for difference of opinions, and the ability to work with disagreement
- An open-ness to ongoing learning and development of self and others

• Leading:

- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties:
01 January 2026
Closing date:
31 October 2025
Salary:
The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2876 / 2979 / 9813 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
Additional Information

Skills Required