Associate Professor: Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) – Foundation Phase

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa seeks an Associate Professor in Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) for a permanent position. The role encompasses teaching, innovative research, and supervising postgraduate students, contributing to both academic leadership and community service in education. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and proven experience in higher education contexts.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Access to Research Funding

Collaborative Research Environment

Qualifications

• PhD focusing on Language and Literacy Education or Early Childhood Development required.
• Experience in teaching at higher education level is essential.
• Recent publications in the relevant fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Language and Literacy Education.
• Develop and evaluate learning materials.
• Supervise postgraduate students and apply for research funding.

Skills

Teaching Language and Literacy Education

Postgraduate Supervision

Research and Publication

Curriculum Development

Education

PhD in Language and Literacy Education

Relevant Teaching Qualification

Job description

Associate Professor: Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) – Foundation Phase

• Associate Professor: Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) – Foundation Phase
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

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Background to Position

Faculty of Education

Department of Curriculum Studies

Associate Professor: Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) – Foundation Phase

Ref. OPV01/151/0725

The Department of Curriculum Studies in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University (SU) strives for academic excellence in the context of curriculum studies as a scientific field. Join a dedicated department and use your leadership to take the Department and your career to new heights. The Department of Curriculum Studies supports innovative research that aims to address education practice and provide opportunities for international cooperation.

Job Description

Duties:

• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) in the B.Ed Foundation Phase.
• Developing and evaluating learning and teaching materials for the Language and Literacy courses (Afrikaans) in the B.Ed Foundation Phase programme.
• Research and publication in Language and Literacy Education in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development, or any other specialisation area relevant to the focus area of the post.
• Supervising and co-supervising postgraduate students at honours, master’s and doctoral level.
• Identifying and applying for research funding.
• Participating in social impact projects and rendering appropriate services to Stellenbosch University and the teaching community.
• Administrative responsibilities relevant to the job level concerned.
• Contributing to academic administration and leadership in the discipline, Department and Faculty.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• A relevant PhD with Language and Literacy Education in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development as core focus.
• A relevant teaching qualification.
• Experience of teaching Language and Literacy Education (Afrikaans) in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development in higher education contexts.
• Experience of postgraduate supervision in Language and Literacy Education in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development.
• A strong academic record, including international collaborations.
• Recent and relevant publications in Language and Literacy Education in the Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development.
• Attending and presenting peer-reviewed papers at national and international education conferences

Recommendations:

• National Research Foundation (NRF) rating.
• Experience in and/or knowledge of Foundation Phase and/or Early Childhood Development in South African education contexts.
• Deep-seated interest in and knowledge of current South African education policies.
• Experience and / or knowledge of technology-aided language education

Application Requirement

Commencement of duties:

01 December 2025

08 August 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Prof Michele van der Merwe on 021 808 2300, or at [e-mail]

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) / 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at [e-mail]

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as the institutional EE Plan of the University.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

About Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.

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