Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer: Specialisation in Inorganic Chemistry and XRD Management (1 position): Department of Chemistry (Job ID 5203) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lecture Inorganic Chemistry at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• Conduct research in Inorganic Chemistry and produce quality research outputs, with emphasis on crystallography, spectroscopy (UV/vis, Infrared, Multi-nuclear NMR) detailed reaction mechanisms, drug development, nuclear medicine, and homogenous catalysis.
• Develop a strong single crystal orientated research group/era.
• Provide study guidance to postgraduate students.
• Participate in research that will be nationally and internationally recognised.
• Write and publish research articles based on research results.
• Manage and maintain all Single Crystal X-ray diffractometers and the crystallographic laboratory including the management of the UFS crystal database and communicate with international database (CCDC; ICSD) for UFS annual license.
• Train postgraduate students on the data collection, solve and refinement of single crystal crystallographic data.
• Produce single crystal crystallography services to the campus and industry.
• Obtain research funding from industry, parastatals, international grants.
• Perform administrative tasks and other departmental and faculty activities.
• Manage different aspects of Chemical Sciences on National and International levels (crystallography in particular).

Inherent Job Requirements:

Lecturer:

• A master’s degree in chemistry specialising in Inorganic Chemistry or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in Chemistry specialising in Inorganic Chemistry on NQF level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Or 
• A PhD in Chemistry specialising in Inorganic Chemistry on NQF level 10 (for a permanent appointment). 
• 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.
• Proven teaching experience, at least at undergraduate level in Inorganic Chemistry.
• Experience in the operating, managing and maintenance of state-of-the-art Bruker single crystal X-ray diffractometer which include protein crystallography data collection experience.
• Experience in working with various crystallographic data collection and refinement software and online resources (i.e., WinGX, Olex2, Mercury, Bruker Apex, IUCr, CheckCIF, CSD Conquest, etc.

Senior Lecturer:

• A PhD in Chemistry specialising in Inorganic Chemistry 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 publications in national and international accredited 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.
• Lecturing experience in Inorganic Chemistry/Crystallography at higher education level.
• Comprehensive experience in the operating, managing and maintenance of state-of-the-art Bruker single crystal X-ray diffractometer which include protein crystallography data collection experience.
• Previous experience of crystallographic data collection at synchrotrons (i.e., ESRF or DIAMOND Light Source, etc.)
• Experience in working with various crystallographic data collection and refinement software and online resources (i.e., WinGX, Olex2, Mercury, Bruker Apex, IUCr, CheckCIF, CSD Conquest, etc.
• Experience working in the field of coordination chemistry and crystallography at other international (non-SA) research groups.
• Have experience working within a radio-laboratory and the chemical synthesis incorporating radioisotopes.

Recommendations:

• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry.
• International Post-doctoral experience.
• Lecturing experience and/or qualifications.
• Experience in and ability to handle and manage other expensive analytical equipment, such as stop flow spectrometry, high pressure gas reactors, GC, IR, and powder X-ray diffraction.
• Proven experience in presentation of papers/posters at national/international conferences.
• Experience in supervision of postgraduate students.

Competencies
Key Competencies:

Results oriented.

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading.

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• 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 interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Closing Date
12/5/2023