Job Description

Duties/Pligte We are looking for an academic who is interested in OR willing to divert their current research to explore the research areas of subtropical fruit and nut crops with a special focus on the pre- and post-harvest horticulture of avocado and macadamia. The main duties of the incumbent will include:

• Undergraduate teaching and postgraduate supervision in horticultural science, with the specific focus on subtropical crops within a Southern African context;
• Involvement in continuous undergraduate curriculum development to ensure relevance, as well as in the departmental development of short courses;
• Driving and supporting research programmes in fundamental and applied pre- and postharvest subtropical horticulture;
• Providing academic guidance to postgraduate students;
• As part of a team, managing a research programme in collaboration and extension of existing programmes within the Department of Horticultural Science and the greater Faculty of AgriSciences;
• Sourcing and obtaining external research funds and effectively managing research programmes;
• Developing national and international research and industry partnerships and networks;
• Rendering a service to the Department, Faculty and University, as well as to relevant industries and communities.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• PhD in Horticultural Science or related degree with demonstrated research experience in Horticultural tree crops;
• Knowledge of OR commitment to participate in active avocado and macadamia cultivation within South Africa;
• Demonstrated research experience in horticultural tree crops;
• Commitment and clear ability to participate in an active teaching programme in sub-tropical fruit and nut crops;
• Proven experience in industry-focused, applied research of tree crops;
• The ability and proficiency to obtain external research funding commensurate with the level of appointment;
• Peer-reviewed scientific publications commensurate with the level of appointment;
• Postgraduate student supervision commensurate with the level of appointment;
• The ability and willingness to work within a team context;
• The ability to function within a multilingual university environment;
• The ability and willingness to travel to the industry partners for extended periods to conduct research;
• The ability to function within a multilingual university environment.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Recognition within South African horticulture industries, preferably the avocado and macadamia industries;
• Knowledge of avocado and macadamia cultivation within South Africa;
• Relevant computer and statistical analysis proficiency;