Job Description

Head of Department
The Rotational Head of Department must take a leadership role within the Department of Ophthalmic Sciences for managing, leading and providing direction to a team of academics and support staff. The HoD has the primary responsibility for the realisation of the business strategy in the higher education environment through the delivery of initiatives to deliver efficient and effective processes across the institution. To support the department in pursuit of its academic objectives which include: teaching according to a set syllabus, undertake research, supervise PG research, contribute to curriculum development, as well as the engagement in work-integrated learning and community engagement activities. To ensure programmes meet the regulatory requirements of the HPCSA. In addition to meeting the core academic expectations, the incumbent should manage the department effectively and efficiently, in line with the CPUT policies and procedures including but not limited to (i) academic leadership, (ii) research management; (iii) HR and staff management: (iv) financial management: (v) student management.
Senior Lecturer
The purpose of the job is to lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate students according to set syllabus, to contribute academic leadership in the Department and Faculty. The position will require quality review of the curriculum and implementation, and assessment on programmes offered aligned to policy. The incumbent will ensure the programmes offered meet the Health Professions Council of South Africa requirements, liaise with industry stakeholders, coordinate WIL placements, engage in community service-learning projects, conduct and publish research in the field.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Minimum requirements: Senior Lecturer (Permanent)

• A relevant doctoral qualification in Ophthalmic Sciences.
• Independent registration and in good standing with the HPCSA as an Optometrist or Dispensing Optician.
• At least four (4) years' relevant lecturing experience in higher education.
• Track record of successful postgraduate supervision
• Evidence of appropriate academic and research leadership.

Recommendations:

• The 4 years mentioned above must preferably include 2 years' experience in the Department's specialised field as well as management experience related to the functions of an HOD (i.e., academic management; curriculum development; quality assurance and accreditation processes; financial and HR management in a department).
• Research, publications, and supervision experience commensurate with the level of Lecturer or above.

Minimum Requirements: Head of Department (5-year Rotational Contract)

• A relevant doctoral qualification in Ophthalmic Sciences.
• Independent registration and in good standing with the HPCSA as an Optometrist or Dispensing Optician.
• At least five (5) years' relevant experience of which three (3) years must be as a Senior Lecturer or above.
• Track record in academic leadership, research outputs, and postgraduate supervision.

Recommendations:

• The five (5) years mentioned above must preferably include 3 years' experience in the Department's specialised field as well as management experience related to the functions of an HOD (i.e., academic management; curriculum development; quality assurance and accreditation processes; financial and HR management in a department).
• Research, publications and supervision experience commensurate with the level of Lecturer or above
• Successful supervision of Master's and Doctoral students
• Previous experience in an equivalent or higher level.

Please Note: The appointment will be made in line with the Rotational HOD guidelines.
Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities
Head of Department

• Aligning performance of the department to faculty and institutional directives.
• Academic leadership.
• Academic management and administration.
• Curriculum and postgraduate programme development and design.
• Quality assurance.
• Financial and human resource management.
• Conflict resolution.
• Change management.
• Project management.
• Strategically positioning and maintaining the visibility of the department internally and externally.
• Maximising education and research opportunities in an exciting and growing field.
• Building partnerships with industry, community, health departments and other higher education institutions.

Senior Lecturer

• Teaching and learning.
• Research and Innovation capacity building.
• Participate in curriculum development of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
• Preparation and participation in quality assurance and professional body accreditations.
• Successful recruitment and supervision of postgraduate students.
• Successful sourcing of external national and international funding.
• Develop and maintain national and international industry linkages.

Competencies

• Progressive and dynamic leadership qualities.
• Strong learner focus.
• Proficiency in MS office and institutional Learner Management System.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Have a keen interest in quality assurance.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise academic activities related to the department up to doctoral level.
• Strategic decision making.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Versatility and flexibility.
• Coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Keeping up to date with advanced technology in the imaging, therapeutic and related sciences, current trends in the higher education sphere and challenges in health care.
• Keen interest in a responsive curriculum and student attributes.

General Information
Closing date: 10 August 2025
For enquires and assistance with your online application, please contact Mr Odwa Siza, (Human Capital Department) email: sizaod@cput.ac.za
NB: Internal applicants interested in Senior Lecturer/ Associate/Professor positions are encouraged to apply through the Promotion of Academic Staff process if they are eligible. To ensure fairness and consistency, all applications will be assessed against the criteria for Promotion of Academic staff at the respective level(s) applied for. All applicants must satisfy the criteria for promotion to be considered and will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence. In instances where a post is advertised across two levels or more (e.g., Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor), preference may be given to applicants who meet the requirements at a higher level.
NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THUS IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.