Job Description

UP Posting - Academic

--------------------------



FACULTY OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

PROFESSOR/ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ SENIOR LECTURER



In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancies.


The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.



RESPONSIBILITIES:


The incumbent will be expected to fulfil the duties of Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education as described in the minimum requirements. These duties include:

Curriculum development of and lecturing of modules in the programme(s) based in the Department; Pursuing research activities such as own research, research-based publications and the supervision of postgraduate students registered in the Department; Developing, presenting and co-ordinating undergraduate and postgraduate courses for pre-service and in-service teachers and other students for contact and distance presentation; Mentoring students for practice teaching/work-integrated learning; Presenting lectures and programmes in an E-learning environment; Experience and expertise in curriculum development for all subjects in Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education Evidence of involvement in community engagement programmes; Providing a significant contribution to research outputs, postgraduate teaching and supervision.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:


SENIOR LECTURER

PhD in Education or the related field--with specialisation in field(s) of Early Childhood Education and Foundation Phase; At least three years of teaching experience in Foundation Phase and Early Childhood Education or related field (ages 0-9); Evidence of at least 6-7 publications (Journal, book chapters), of which four should be a mix of international and national publications in accredited journals or equivalent units and one sole-authored publication; Experience and evidence of supervising at least three students to completion at Masters level in Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education (ages 0-9); Experience in supervision of teaching practice, work-integrated learning, mentorship, or related programmes. Experience in Academic Administration


ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

PhD in Education or the related field--with specialisation in field(s) of Early Childhood Education and Foundation Phase; At least five years of Higher Education Institution teaching experience in Foundation Phase and Early Childhood Education or related field (ages 0-9); Evidence of at least 11 - 13 publications (Journal, book chapters), of which four should be a mix of international and national publications in accredited journals or equivalent units and three sole-authored publications; Experience and evidence of supervising at least 6 graduates, of which 2 must be PhDs and 1 must be sole supervised; Community engagement in a related field; Sustained involvement in work-integrated learning; Evidence of collaboration in international research projects and research publications; Standing as an active researcher amongst international peers and evidence of proven research funding; Evidence of membership in professional associations/organisations in the Foundation Phase, Early Childhood Education, and associated fields.


PROFESSOR

PhD in Education or the related field--with specialisation in field(s) of Early Childhood Education and Foundation Phase; At least 8 years teaching experience in a Higher Education Institution or related experience, with emphasis on Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education (ages 0-9) or related fields; At least 16-18 publications in a variety of accredited journals, of which five should be in ISI/ IBSS journals and five sole authored; Experience and evidence of Postgraduate supervision; At least 8 students supervised to completion at Master's or Doctoral level. (At least 4 at Doctoral level of which 3 should be sole supervision); Community engagement in a related field; Sustained involvement in work-integrated learning; Evidence of collaboration in international research projects and research publications; Proven international standing as an active researcher and evidence of proven research funding success; Evidence of active membership role and leadership positions in professional associations/organisations in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education or associated fields.


REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):


SENIOR LECTURER:

Knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Foundation Phase Education or equivalent; Knowledge and experience in health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood care and education; Knowledge and experience in programmes on parenting and care within family and community settings; Appropriate language and communication skills; Ability to apply knowledge and skills in teaching and supervision; Ability to work as an individual and in a team.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / PROFESSOR:

Knowledge of the following;

o South African education system regarding Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education;

o The different subjects in Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education;

o Teaching methodologies of the different subjects in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education;

Appropriate language and communication skills; Ability to apply knowledge and skills in teaching and supervision; Ability to work as an individual and in a team.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

SENIOR LECTURER:

Teaching experience at a Higher Education Institution in Early Childhood Development and Child Care; Knowledge and experience in application of language curriculum and indigenous knowledge systems in Early Childhood Development and Care programmes; Knowledge and experience in integration of technology in child development and care programmes; PhD in early childhood development and child care studies, or equivalent degree; or Currently registered for a PhD in related programme. Ability and/or experience in conducting own research, and evidence of research publications; An active Orcid-ID
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / PROFESSOR:

Knowledge in the field of mathematics, coding and robotics, natural science and technology, and languages or literacy studies (SA official languages) in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Education; NRF-rating; An active Orcid-ID


The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.



Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za


In applying for this post, please attach:

A comprehensive UP format CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact; Names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research); Teaching Portfolio Self-evaluation.


CLOSING DATE: 30 November 2025


No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.


ENQUIRIES: Ms Mandy Moropa, Email: mandy.moropa@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Prof Mampane, Email: ruth.mampane@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.


Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 January 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.



The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.


In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.


All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.


The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.