Job Description

Stellenbosch University

Faculty of AgriSciences
Department of Horticultural Science

Senior Lecturer / Lecturer: Department of Horticultural Science
(Four-year full-time fixed-term contract)

Ref. AW06/221/0723

The vision of the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University is to be recognised both nationally and internationally as the foremost Southern African department for teaching, research and technology transfer in horticultural crops, specifically tree crops and floriculture, respected for its innovation, academic excellence and levels of service to the horticultural industry.

The mission of the Department is to educate and train undergraduate and postgraduate students in pre- and postharvest biology, physiology and technology of commercial deciduous, subtropical and citrus fruit tree systems and floriculture, in order to supply human talent to the horticultural industry.

Furthermore, to conduct dynamic research and technology transfer in the tree crop and floriculture industries, providing value-adding technology to industry partners in order to increase their global competitiveness and profitability. This mission is pursued by highly qualified staff employing relevant, effective teaching and research techniques.

The activities of the Department include:

(1) Familiarising students with the biology and physiology of growth and development of perennial woody plants, the interaction between the plant and environment, and the post-harvest biology and technology of fresh products by using specific groups of tree crops as training models, e.g., pome and stone fruit (deciduous), avocados (subtropical fruit), citrus (evergreens) and Cape flora (floriculture).

(2) Developing the ability of students to translate biological and physiological knowledge into technology that can be used in the horticultural industry, in order to create a demand for the skills and attributes developed by the graduated students.

(3) Conducting a focused research programme in tree crops and floriculture that will advance scientific knowledge and create value-adding technology for the industry partners.

(4) Developing an effective technology transfer programme in collaboration with industry partners in order to maximise the benefits of knowledge within the industries.

(5) Maintaining a healthy balance and interaction between teaching, research and service to industry partners and the community.

Duties:

To expand the current focus and activity within the Department, we are looking for an academic who is interested in exploring 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.

• PhD in Horticultural Science;
• Knowledge of avocado and macadamia cultivation within South Africa;
• Demonstrated research experience in horticultural tree crops, with a focus on subtropical fruits and nuts;
• Proven teaching experience of an ability and willingness to participate in an active teaching programme;
• Proven experience in industry-focused, applied research aligned to subtropical fruit and nuts;
• 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.

• Recognition within South African horticulture industries, preferably avocado and macadamia;
• Relevant computer and statistical analysis proficiency.

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