Recruitment Opportunities at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal assumes overarching responsibility for:

• driving Vision-130 and the University’s strategic plan with courage, integrity and a deep commitment to teaching and research excellence, social justice and the achievement of a transformed institution;
• managing the University to ensure that it is locally and globally competitive, financially sustainable, and environmentally and socially responsible;
• implementing the University’s strategic, change, and operational initiatives;
• facilitating and promoting external fundraising;
• facilitating and managing sound policies and practices for the functioning of the University;
• establishing, maintaining, and promoting sound relations with staff and students and with key stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally;
• identifying and managing the strategic and operational risks to which the University may be exposed; and
• ensuring local, regional, and international participation by the University.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A doctoral degree would be generally required and the ideal candidate will be someone who fulfill the following criteria: 
• Has a distinguished academic and research record. 
• Recognised academic standing as a Professor or eligibility for appointment to the rank of Professor.
• A minimum of ten years of proven high level leadership success at an executive level having progressed through the academic/management hierarchy. 
• Proven leadership, management and communication skills at senior management level in higher education.
• An ability to successfully manage leadership teams, and to empower, motivate and unite staff, students and other stakeholders to achieve the shared objectives of the institution.
• Track record of visionary, innovative, and strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence in the successfully developed and overseen the implementation of fundamental change in complex spaces.
• Experience of human resources and financial management appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the funding arrangements for higher education and a deep understanding of the financial health and sustainability of universities.
• Proven record as a fundraiser.
• Proven understanding and appreciation of the pressures and opportunities in the higher education sector, locally and globally.
• A commitment to harnessing technology to achieve the strategic objectives of the University and to support the University in preparing graduates fit for the workplace of the future.
• A commitment to sustaining and a track record for further developing a student-centred, transformed, inclusive and multilingual culture for all stakeholders, especially students.
• A proven record of well-developed national and international networks that will support growth for the University and its stakeholders.
• As part of the interview process, provisionally shortlisted candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation to the Selection Committee and the community of the UFS.  

Competencies

• Term of Office:  The appointment is for a five-year term with the possibility of a reappointment for a further term.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Design, initiate, lead and implement a project that benefits predominantly women from low-income, rural communities or emerging farmers.
• Supervise PhD, Masters and honours students to collaborate with the project, assist in the research design, ethical clearance, proposals and implementation of research projects, and preparing theses/dissertations.
• Investigate, identify, draft and submit funding proposals.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative consumer-led research that involves innovative product development, sensory evaluation, farmer and consumer training and other strategic intervention strategies.
• Analyse data statistically to demonstrate patterns, trends and relationships.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. 
• Assist in lecturing under and post-graduate modules and offering support to students through mentoring, coaching, advising and motivating.
• Participate in international and national conferences, presenting original research through oral and poster presentations.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.
• Prepare and submit an annual progress report. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance, as evidenced in the annual progress report.

Competencies

Eligibility criteria

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University if the Free State. 
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Recommendation:

• A valid driver’s licence.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET–accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University if the Free State. 
• Graduated with a PhD degree in Organic Chemistry within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 270 000 annual fellowship
• R 30 000 additional research expenses fund. 
• A further once-off conference grant of ZAR 25,000 is available each year. The stipend is paid quarterly

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET–accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University if the Free State. 
• Graduated with a PhD degree in Organic Chemistry within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 270 000 annual fellowship
• R 30 000 additional research expenses fund 
• A further once-off conference grant of ZAR 25 000 is available each year. The stipend is paid quarterly.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop postgraduate modules in the Health Professions Programme in consultation with the Head of the division, taking into account the candidates’ field of expertise.
• Develop and revise modules in a team context.
• Provide study guidance to master's students (mini-dissertations and dissertations) and PhD students in the Health Professions Education Programme.
• Provide expert input while evaluating research projects (protocols).
• Provide academic support and development to postgraduate students.
• Research and analyse models of teaching, learning and assessment theories and best practices in Health Sciences Education.
• Assist with the design and maintenance of the Health Professions Education Programmes on UFS Learning Management Systems (e.g., Blackboard).
• Participate fully in the design, administration, implementation and evaluation of faculty development activities as determined in the Division Health Sciences Education.
• Provide instructional inputs to working groups, committees and information sessions offered to academic staff.
• Plan, manage and execute research projects.
• Conduct research on Health Professions Education with the aim to gather information and keep abreast of developments in this field.

Inherent Job requirements:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Health Professions Education.
• Professionally qualified as a healthcare professional and registered with the relevant professional body in a Health Sciences discipline with a minimum of five (5) years' work experience.
• 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.
• At least two years' experience in postgraduate teaching / supervision / lecturing / staff development/ research I academic support and development.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• A proven research record of relevant publications 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.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and secretarial support to the Library and Information Services Directorate. 
• Manage the Manager's various tasks by setting daily/weekly/monthly commitments and ensuring that all commitments are met. 
• Manage correspondence (written and text, e-mail) and answer questions if necessary. 
• Welcome and usher guests. 
• Make sure there is enough provision and replenishment of material in the workplace. 
• Supervise the reception area in the Senior Manager's office. 
• Maintain the filling system. 
• Arrange travel and accommodation for senior executives during field trips and meetings. 
• Manage and supervise the Directorate and Reception Areas. 
• Manage the financial responsibility of the Directorate.
• Ensure that the work of the Department complies with university policies, procedures, and policies. 
• Assist and support in the work of the Director and Deputy Directors as needed. 
• Manage the obligations and the calendar of the LIS Director.
• Prepare agenda, record meetings, take notes, publish, and file neatly. 
• Manage procurement for operational and capital projects to ensure the effective functioning of the Executives office. 
• Keep office records. 
• Manage and coordinate workshops, events, meetings, team building etc. as directed by the line managers. 
• Make sure the designated area complies with health and safety procedures. 
• Ensure information is kept safe and secure to maintain confidentiality. 
• Manage of all correspondence (newsletters, documents, letters and discussions with Human Resources) and scheduling for screening and interviews. 
• Prepare, manage and distribute information on various groups and forums. 
• Plan, prepare and deliver monthly/quarterly and annual reports. 
• Manage Library and Information Services Department activities/events/incidents as needed. 
• Manage the LIS Directorate leave schedules. 
• Manage the staff development register of the UFS LIS. 
• Answer and manage calls.
• Manage all travel arrangements for national and international meetings.
• Arrange access and parking for visitors as needed.
• Issue additional documents. 
• Execute and provide directions in the appointment of student assistants. 
• Maintain trust and open relationships with other departments at UFS and other stakeholders in the department's operations. 
• Build and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Act as liaison between the departments and the university community. 
• Plan and coordinate internal and external activities 
• Manage internal and external communications. 
• Manage the coordinate the LIS multifunctional teams (Scrums). 
• Organise and execute programmes and projects to promote social cohesion in the UFS Libraries in the quest to build inclusivity and diversity. 
• Organise the social cohesion committee of the LIS. 
• In collaboration with the committee, develop a social cohesion strategy in the quest to contribute towards a conducive working environment. 
• Monitoring and evaluation of the impact of programmes and projects for social cohesion in the LIS. 

Inherent requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree on NQF level (7).
• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of Short Learning Programmes.

go to method of application »

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University if the Free State. 
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in the following areas: women entrepreneurship, gender, work-family conflict, family support, work-life balance; entrepreneurial intention and behaviour, business outcomes (growth, survival performance and exit).
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET–accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

Teaching and Learning:

• Develop and implement innovative research and postgraduate strategies.
• Increase post-graduate throughputs and publishing of scientific articles.
• Teaching of postgraduate students in the relevant field. This includes lectures, tutorials, practical classes (preparation and presentation}, assessments and seminars.
• Coordinate and lecture modules in applicable field.
• Provide clinical supervision of students within the applicable field and relevant fields.
• Provide support to skills development within the applicable field and relevant fields.
• Provide supervision for postgraduate research projects.
• Contribute to relevant development within the curriculum.
• Maintain a scholarly profile in line with an Associate Professor appointment in an academic department.

Research:

• Support the department with the strengthening of overall research related electives including research projects.
• Identifying and obtaining sustainable funding sources to support own and student research.
• Conducting research at a nationally and international competitive level.
• Participate in national and/or international fora to share research results.
• Update knowledge and understanding in the field of specialisation.
• Actively participate in the research focus areas of the Department, producing outputs such as journal papers, procuring external research funding etc.

Engaged Scholarship:

• Utilization of academic scholarly and professional expertise for intentional public purpose or benefit that demonstrates engagement with external constituencies.
• Providing professional service delivery provincially and/ or nationally.
• Community outreach at both provincial and / or national level.
• Being of service to other universities e.g. external examining, assisting with curriculum reviews, organising of conferences, collaborations on inter-university projects.
• Being of service to professional bodies e.g. servicing on national bodies, journal servicing.
• Being of service to other provincial and/ or national stakeholders such as government or NGOs, e.g. servicing on advisory bodies, contributing to policy formulation and review
• Provide professional, scientific, clinical or technical expertise of provincial and / or national health services and / or other related services.
• Raise awareness, promote debate and shift discourse in civil society, communities, industry, education, health sectors and/or other related sectors using professional, scientific or clinical expertise, scholarship or research findings.

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide innovation, leadership and administration within the School, Faculty and University.
• Serves as member of a University Committee in policy formulation.
• Provide support to leadership and assist with staff development.
• Provide leadership in school and/or faculty administration.
• Provide leadership in school and/or faculty committees or programmes or module or phase or year.
• Provide leadership in school and/or faculty decision making.
• Develop networks at faculty level and/or institutional level.
• Provide leadership in teambuilding and establishing of an enabling work environment.

Inherent Job requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Nursing.
• An additional qualification in Nursing Education
• Registered at the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Nurse (General, Psychiatry & Community) and Midwife/Accoucheur (attach a copy).
• Minimum five years' experience of working within a tertiary institution.
• Proven national and international standing in the field of nursing.
• Proven track record of research in nursing with a research profile commensurate with the level of associate.
• Existing networks and collaborations in nursing, or higher education in Africa or beyond.
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Act as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated masters' or doctoral students.
• Serve as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education or equivalent levels.

Recommendations:

• Experience at management level, and of leading a large team.
• Experience of grant writing.
• An NRF rating.
• Knowledge of an additional official South African language.
• Qualification in any field of specialisation will be an added advantage.

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Duties and responsibilities: 

Research

• Undertake research on defined issues related to the History of the University of the Free State book project.

Project management/administration

• Conduct project management and some project administration support related to the History of the University of the Free State book project and the wider Research Project on the Histories of Universities in South Africa (RPHUSA) national programme.
• Liaise with researchers, archivists, librarians and other academic and administrators.
• Support other activities connected with the UFS book project and the RPHUSA programme.
• Support activities related to research, publishing, and events.

Attendance of meetings

• Attend events (conferences/seminars, colloquia) and meetings.

Writing and publishing

• Write papers and articles and chapters in peer-reviewed publications.

Reporting

• Report on activities at the end of each contract period.
• Hold monthly face-to-face or digital/telephonic meetings with the project leader.
• Hold face-to face or digital/telephonic meetings as required.

Inherent requirements:

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in History. 
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentation at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journal.
• A good academic record.

Recommendations:

• A working knowledge of Afrikaans.
• Digital archiving and documentary film experience.
• Ability to work with website developers, archivists, librarians, museum staff and documentary film makers.
• Ability to travel and attend meetings locally and nationally when needed.

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 lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

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.

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Duties and responsibilities: 

• Contribute actively and further advance the teaching and research agenda of the agrometeorology section in the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.
• Teach undergraduate modules in the field of micro-meteorology, agro-meteorology, and climate sciences, 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.
• Engage with a diversity of stakeholders, including academic collaborations, funding agencies, the industry and government.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• PhD in Agrometeorology or a closely related field on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master’s degree in Agrometeorology or a closely related field on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD 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

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Agrometeorology or a closely related field.
• 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.

Recommendations:

• The candidate preferably holds expertise in the use of more than one of the following tools/measuringsystems: Automatic weather stations, Eddy-covariance systems, Sap flow sensors, Leaf water potential / canopy temperature sensors, Remote sensing applications in agriculture
• The applicant should have excellent practical research skills including the operation of weather stations and measuring systems assessing climate-crop interactions, as well as proven experience in the analyses of data from such equipment.
• The applicant should be able to communicate well with students and have experience with lecturing undergraduate students and the supervision of M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.

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Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in isiZulu.
• Design undergraduate and postgraduate study material in isiZulu.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the African Languages Department.
• Initiate, conduct, and sustain high-level research and produce quality research outputs.
• Participate in community service.
• Work in a team with members of the department and faculty.
• Perform general leadership and administrative duties related to the faculty.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD with specialisation in isiZulu language and literature on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment) 

or

• Master’s degree with specialisation in isiZulu language and literature on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD with specialisation in isiZulu language and literature 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.

Recommendations:

• A PhD with specialisation in isiZulu language and literature on NQF Level 10.
• Experience in postgraduate supervision.