Job Description

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ's mission is "To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge." The University is guided by the vision of building "An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
"Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
For more information, please review the following link:
The Department of Chemical Sciences is an academic unit within the Faculty of Science, situated on both the Auckland Park Campus (APK) in Auckland Park, and the Doornfontein campus (DFC) in Johannesburg. The Department of Chemical Sciences seeks a Lecturer to join the Physical Chemistry cluster. The successful candidate will be actively involved in teaching, research, and academic administration at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Responsibilities:

• Be actively involved in core activities of the department such as teaching, research, academic administration, short-course development, marketing, and community engagement projects.
• Assume responsibility to teach modules (theory and/or practical) enlisted for the Chemistry undergraduate programme in the Department.
• The incumbent will also be expected to participate in curriculum development and teach modules in postgraduate programmes.
• Annually publish peer-reviewed papers in accredited scientific and/or academic journals, and deliver papers at national and international conferences, commensurate with the level of appointment.
• Actively supervise postgraduate students.
• Obtain research funding from external funding bodies.
• Perform administrative and ad hoc duties as required by the Department.

Minimum requirements

• MSc in Chemistry with specialisation in Physical Chemistry. PhD will be an advantage.
• Experience in lecturing and teaching at undergraduate level.
• The candidate must be able to teach general chemistry and physical chemistry at all levels.
• Experience in preparing and delivering undergraduate practical laboratory sessions.
• Experience in designing, executing and evaluating assessments.
• Undertaking research and presenting and publishing the results.
• Demonstrate potential in supervising postgraduate students.
• Demonstrate potential to build own research group.
• Strong commitment to good teaching and research.
• Sound communication skills in English.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal and communication skills in English.
• Excellent teaching skills.
• Excellent computer literacy skills.
• Good planning and organizational skills.
• Motivational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills that supports collaboration with others and working as a team member.
• Ability to apply relevant skills in addressing chemistry problems.
• Ability to function under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Working conditions and Expectations:

• Based in a private or semi-private office within a climate-controlled building, with consistent artificial lighting and varying levels of natural light depending on office location.
• Extended periods of desk-based work with frequent computer use for lecture preparation, academic writing, research supervision, marking, and communication with students and colleagues.
• Frequent prolonged standing and walking during lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and student consultations, particularly within chemistry laboratories or fieldwork settings.
• Regular interaction with undergraduate and postgraduate students, requiring strong classroom management, technical communication skills, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning needs.
• Minimal physical exertion outside of teaching, research, or field activities; may occasionally carry light materials, e.g. laboratory tools, or teaching equipment between venues or campuses (typically less than 10kg).
• Generally quiet working environment in office and laboratory spaces, with higher noise levels possible during practical sessions, workshops, or student demonstrations.
• An understanding of the confidential nature of academic work, including examination materials, research data, intellectual property, and student records.
• May be required to travel between campuses and laboratories for teaching, research collaboration, or academic events.
• High-volume workload with strict deadlines during assessment periods, research submissions, and conference preparations, occasionally requiring extended hours for grading or data analysis.
• Occasional attendance of departmental meetings, academic conferences, field excursions, symposia, and graduation ceremonies, sometimes outside standard working hours.
• May be required to work beyond normal office hours to accommodate evening lectures, laboratory supervision, research activities, or collaboration with international research partners across time zones.

Enquiries:
Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof LN Dlamini at Tel: (011) 559 6945
Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits: Mr Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559 3892
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email .
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.

Skills Required