Professor /Assoc Prof /Sen Lecturer: Biological & Agri Sciences With Hod Duties (Re-Advertised)

Vacancy Details

Employer:Sol Plaatje University
Purpose
As a senior academic the incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules, establish a research programme in this discipline as well as be involved in growing a research community in the Faculty, raise the necessary funds to support such research. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to act as Head of Department: for the Department of Biological and Agricultural Sciences within the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences for a period of 3-5 years.

Minimum Requirements

Senior Lecturer P7
PhD/Doctorate in Agriculture.
At least five (5) years relevant experience, where 3 years must have been as lecturer in Higher Education.

Demonstrate evidence of continuous research productivity in the form of publications in DHET accredited journals and peer-reviewed conference proceedings, research papers presented at national and/or international conferences; contributions to scholarly books published by reputable publishers, in good standing with DHET and not linked to predatory practices; evidence of external research fundraising, citations (e.g. Scopus H- index); NRF rating is recommended.

Develop and present a reflective teaching portfolio which covers: the approach to teaching; contributions to curriculum development; design of learning materials; innovative pedagogy; student and junior staff mentoring; successful supervision of postgraduate students; formal participation in teaching and learning development courses; student and/or peer evaluations of own teaching; evidence of scholarship of teaching and learning would be beneficial.

Significant involvement in discipline or departmental official activities and processes which includes active academic participation in workshops/forums in higher education as well as community engagement activities; movement towards recognition in the broader subject/ discipline community; external examining/moderating at under- and postgraduate levels.

Associate Professor P6

PhD/Doctorate in Agriculture.
At least eight (8) years relevant experience.

Demonstrate evidence of continuous research output in the form of Publications in DHET accredited journals and peer-reviewed conference proceedings; research papers presented at national and/or international conferences; contribution to scholarly books published by a recognized publishing house; citation record (e.g Scopus h-index); evidence of research leadership in publication/ grant application; NRF rating is strongly recommended; external research funds raised; national and/or international research publications.
Develop and present a reflective teaching portfolio that covers: the approach to teaching; leadership contributions to curriculum development, design of learning materials, and innovative pedagogy and/or Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; student and junior staff mentoring; successful supervision of postgraduate students including PhD students; formal participation in teaching and learning development courses; student and/or peer evaluations of own teaching.
Demonstrate evidence of significant involvement in discipline, departmental and/or institutional official activities and processes which includes active academic participation in workshops/forums in higher education as well as community engagement activities and CE as a scholarly activity; external examining/moderating of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Professor P5
PhD/Doctorate in Agriculture.

At least ten (10) years relevant experience.

Demonstrate evidence of continuous research output in the form of continual and sustained research outputs in high impact DHET -accredited journals in a mix of local and international journals; scholarly contributions to books published by recognized publishers; evidence of external research funds raised; productive research linkages and networks with leading scholars at national and international level; presentations of research papers as invited or keynote speaker at scholarly local and international conferences;must be NRF rated, have a notable citation track record (evident through an Scopus H-index commensurate to period as active research), research leadership demonstrated through authorship position on publications.

Develop and present a reflective teaching portfolio that covers: the approach to teaching; leadership contributions to curriculum development, design of learning materials and innovative pedagogy; student and staff mentoring; successful supervision of postgraduate students including PhD students; formal participation in teaching and learning development courses; contributions to presenting teaching and learning courses; scholarly contributions to teaching and learning development; student and/or peer evaluations of own teaching;

Demonstrate evidence of leadership and contribute positively towards the discipline, department, faculty and the institution; active involvement in professional and/or discipline societies; play an active role in leading academic citizenship activities in the broader community; acknowledge and referred to as a respected leader in the field by the broader scientific community; frequently evaluate articles for good journals and/or serve on editorial board for such journals; contribute to scientific and organising committees of significant conferences; external examining/moderating at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Recommendation
Professor/Associate Professor
Specialisation in Crop Science/Agronomy
NRF rating or potential to be NRF rated if non-South African residing outside the country
Evidence of managing research projects and the ability to attract project funding
Academic management and leadership experience

Duties and responsibilities
Teaching and Learning:
Develop and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Utilize innovative and effective teaching methods to engage students and enhance their understanding of modules
Mentor and advise students in research projects and academic pursuits.

Research:
Conduct cutting-edge research with a focus on teacher education.
Publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed and accredited journals.
Evidence of securing external funding through grants and collaborations.

Curriculum Development:
Contribute to the development and enhancement.
Integrate emerging educational technologies and pedagogical approaches into course materials.

Community Engagement:
Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and community initiatives.
Participate in outreach programmes

Professional Development:

Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practices
Engage in professional development activities to enhance teaching, research and supervision capabilities

Academic Citizenship:
Contribute to departmental and university service through committee participation.
Provide leadership and support in advancing the goals of the department and institution.

HOD DutiesHOD duties

Provision of strategic leadership
Guidance for the conceptualisation of the academic project of the department including engagement with communities and the development of new academic programmes;
Guidance and coaching of academic staff to contribute to the attainment of faculty strategic objectives in teaching & learning, research and engagement.
Representation and championing of the department at faculty boards.
Chairing of the departmental meetings
Work constructively with the CTLPD and the Student Development and Support Team to promote student access and success.

Management and optimization of all departmental functions, processes and procedures
Oversight and management of departmental budget.
Oversight and implementation of all academic policies.
Oversight and management of compliance with all health and safety regulations.
Oversight and compliance with quality management policies and procedures.
Management of assets.
Compliance with requirements of student disciplinary policies and procedures.
Oversight of courses including assessment
In conjunction with the Dean, efficient management of those responsibilities devolved to the faculty and department from the Registrar's Office, including student selection processes.

Engagement with research and teaching activities
Teaching and postgraduate supervision as agreed with the Dean and departmental colleagues.
Continuance of own research trajectory

Any other duties as delegated by the line manager

Enquiries can be made via email at ******
Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.
Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.

NB! Applicants who previously applied for the position are advised to re-apply.