Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the teaching and research agenda of the agronomy section of the department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
• Teach undergraduate modules in the field of agronomy, as well as the supervision of research activities conducted by MSc and PhD students.
• Function as an independent researcher who sets up and carries out agronomic research activities and is able to attract research funding.
• Engage with a diversity of stakeholders, including academic collaborators, funding agencies, the industry and government.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master's degree in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Agronomy or related discipline on NQF Level 10.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master's degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Recommendations:

• The applicant should have expertise in Agronomy, or a closely related field supported by a convincing track record of scientific publications in internationally recognised journals.
• The applicant should have excellent practical research skills (design and implementation of greenhouse and field trials, data analysis skills, writing skills, etc.).
• The applicant should have sound understanding of South African crop production conditions and be able to work with the private sector by conducting research that responds to the needs of the sector.
• The applicant should be able to communicate well with students and have experience with lecturing undergraduate students and the supervision of MSc and PhD students.
• Expertise in one of the following fields is an advantage:

• Practical experience with the production and management of annual field crops.
• Weed science, the background of weed biology, chemical mode of action physiology and the management of weeds in crop production.
• Crop nutrition.
• Crop water management.

Competencies

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• Copies of all academic records (applicable where inherently required).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Required competencies:

• Results oriented.
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations
• Strategic thinking.
• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading.
• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions
• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of duties:
01 June 2024

Closing date:
24 March 2024

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email or . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9857/ 9810/ 9813 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at :

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Additional Information

University of the Free State