Job Description

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: Languages and Communication for a period of 3-5 years. The Department of Languages and Communications comprises the following academic disciplines: Afrikaans, English Studies, Court Interpreting, Creative Writing, isiXhosa, South African Sign Language and Setswana.Minimum RequirementSenior Lecturer P7

• A relevant Doctorate and underpinning qualifications in any one of the following academic disciplines Afrikaans/English Studies/ Court Interpreting/ Creative Writing/isiXhosa/South African Sign Language/Setswana or a cognate discipline.

• At least five (5) years relevant experience, where three (3) years must have been as a 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 fund raising, citations (e.g. Scopus H- index); NRF rating is recommended.
• Develop and present a reflective teaching portfolio which covers: 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

• A relevant Doctorate and underpinning qualifications in any one of the following academic disciplines Afrikaans/English Studies/ Court Interpreting/ Creative Writing/isiXhosa/South African Sign Language/Setswana or a cognate discipline.

• At least (8) eight 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: 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

• A relevant Doctorate and underpinning qualifications in any one of the following academic disciplines Afrikaans/English Studies/ Court Interpreting/ Creative Writing/isiXhosa/South African Sign Language/Setswana or a cognate discipline.

• At least (10) ten 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: 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; playing an active role in leading of academic citizenship activities in the broader community; acknowledgement and referred to as 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.

Recommendations

• Involvement in societies/organisations that promote the relevant disciplines in Languages and Communications Studies

Duties and responsibilitiesTeaching 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 Duties HOD dutiesProvision 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 managerEnquiries can be made via email atAssumption 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.

Sol Plaatje University