Job Description

UP Posting - Academic

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FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES


DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS AND MICROBIOLOGY


SENIOR LECTURER

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

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.



BACKGROUND:


The Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology was established as a merged department in 2018. The Department is structured in four divisions, three of which are the custodians of the three base disciplines, namely Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The fourth division encompasses Research and Postgraduate Education. The Department is both teaching and research intensive; not only is it one of the largest in the faculty, but it is also, consistently one of the top performing research departments at the University of Pretoria. Through its 51 research leaders, the Department currently supervises more than 250 MSc and PhD candidates and 40 postdoctoral researchers. The annual enrolment in the Department across three years of study is in the order of 3400 students. The degree programmes offered do not only prepare graduates for a large diversity of postgraduate specializations but also for the local and international job market. The research focus of the research groups broadly include human and animal health, plant-pathogen interactions, bio-economy, bio-informatics and biodiversity. We foster strong intra-and interfaculty linkages within UP, as well as inter institutional- and industry ties. Our goal is to advance basic and applied knowledge and skills that contribute to solutions for the grand challenges facing South Africa, Africa and the rest of the globe.


The Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM) wishes to make an appointment that will strengthen and grow the Department's teaching and research initiatives.



RESPONSIBILITIES:


The incumbent will actively participate in the following areas:

Teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and postgraduate level in genetics and genomics; Building an independent research program with the express purpose of producing research outputs and the supervision of postgraduate students; Secure third-stream research funding by fostering local and international collaborations and partnerships; Participation in the Department's strategic initiatives relating to teaching, research and community engagement; Participation in departmental and Faculty committees and/or task teams.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A PhD-degree in Genetics (NQF level 10 or equivalent) with a specialisation in molecular genetics and genomics; The equivalent of three (3) years of teaching experience, curriculum development, and module administration in genetics at tertiary level; A proven publication record of first or senior author scientific papers in ISI accredited journals commensurate with the level of appointment; Proven experience in research mentorship of postgraduate students.


REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

In-depth knowledge of genetics; Proven experience with or evidence of the ability to secure research funding; Evidence of the ability to collaborate, as well as the drive to build research capacity and research networks; Excellent communication skills and good interpersonal skills, along with a student-centred mindset.


ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

Experience with the Blackboard eLearning Platform and the development of audio-visual learning materials within a contact- and/or hybrid learning environment; Preference will be given to candidates who have teaching expertise that complements the department's needs, including the ability to teach large undergraduate classes (>150 students); Experience with the Blackboard eLearning Platform and the development of audio-visual learning materials within a contact- and/or hybrid learning environment; Postdoctoral experience; Proven research interests that will complement or expand, and not duplicate, those interests already in the department; Evidence of community engagement activities.


PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted applicants will be expected as a part of the selection process, to present a 15-minute mock lecture on a given genetics topic to staff and postgraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The Department also reserves the right to request and review copies of academic publications (papers/dissertation/thesis) for suitability before a candidate is shortlisted.



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 these posts, 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 three peer reviewers (academic and research); Teaching Portfolio; A critical self-evaluation of teaching and research contributions that addresses the above-mentioned minimum requirements and required competencies.


CLOSING DATE: 10 December 2025



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



ENQUIRIES:


Mrs S Mahlangu, Email: shado.mahlangu@up.ac.za for application-related and Dr P de Waal, Email: pam.dewaal@up.ac.za for post content enquiries.



Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 28 February 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 may 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.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

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