Associate Professor (P001559)

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Potchefstroom is seeking an Associate Professor to lead the literature division in the English Department. The successful candidate will teach modules across various genres and levels, contribute to research outputs, and engage in community projects. A PhD in English Literature with at least five years of teaching experience is required. This is a permanent position emphasizing excellence in teaching and research.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD (NQF level 10) in English Literature and/or Literary Studies.
• Minimum of five years teaching experience in English Literature genres.
• Proven experience in research and publication in accredited journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the English Department's literature division in teaching and research.
• Teach English Literature modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Contribute to school research output and community engagement projects.

Skills

Excellent English language and communication skills

Knowledge of literary theory

Computer literacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in English Literature or Literary Studies

Tools

MS Office

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: Education and Training

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) Faculty of Humanities – School of Languages. Position Number: P001559. Vacancy: Associate Professor. Permanent Appointment Grade: A6.

Job Description

Purpose of the Position

To lead the literature “division” of the English Department (PC) in terms of teaching & learning and research etc.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Teach English Literature modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include early modern literature, 19th century literature, literary theories, African English literature and contemporary literature.
• Team teaching, student evaluations, assignments, tests and examinations, supervision of postgraduate studies.
• Be able to teach different genres of literature (poetry, drama, fiction and film) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Complete related administrative tasks, such as submitting marks and monitoring student progress.
• Set tests and examinations, as well as mark assessments.
• Hold office hours for consultations with students.
• Attend meetings (with the subject group, teaching team, and/or module tutors).
• Act as module convenor across the three NWU sites.
• Supervise postgraduate students.
• Moderate assessments internally.
• Manage records by maintaining module files for Internal and/or External Programme Evaluation.
• Have a good knowledge of African, world and contemporary literatures of the Global South.

Research and Innovation Outputs

• Contribute towards the research output of the School of Languages.
• Present at national and international conferences.
• Publish in accredited journals.

Social Responsiveness

• Be involved in relevant community engagement projects.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• Cooperate with management, OHS officials and colleagues to help everyone meet the legal requirements, whilst upholding and maintaining general occupational health and safety standards and practices.

Management and University Service

• Fulfil management tasks and duties in service of the university as they arise (for example, subject chair responsibilities, serving on a Faculty Board or committee).
• Demonstrate good organisational and administrative skills.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in English Literature and/or Literary Studies.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ work experience and proven track record of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at university.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ teaching experience in the different genres of English Literature (Poetry, Drama, Fiction and Film) as well as varieties of Literature i.e. 19th Century literature, Literary Theory, Contemporary literature, African English literature.
• Active involvement in research, as evidenced by a number of publications in accredited journals commensurate with the level of a full associate professor.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national and/or international scholarly conferences.
• Applicants should be active in community engagement projects.
• Proven track record of supervising master’s and/or PhD students in Literature or related fields.

Added Advantage

• Membership of relevant subject‑specific societies and organisations.
• Experience with curriculum design and/or module design.
• A minimum of 2 years’ leadership experience.

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Excellent English language and communication skills.
• Be able to function effectively as part of a team and relate well with colleagues and peers.
• Be knowledgeable in the use of technology.
• Facilitation of blended teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, team teaching, student evaluations.
• Develop course material, assessments (formative and summative) and assignments.
• Perform administrative tasks when required, attend workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Teach undergraduate classes and aid in the provision of postgraduate supervision.
• Excellent English language and communication skills.
• Excellent level of computer literacy and experience with LMS systems, MS Teams, Outlook, MS Office.
• Competent computer literacy – knowledge of MS Office, knowledge and experience of computational tools in teaching.
• Competent knowledge of literary theory and the application thereof in English literature studies.
• Have good knowledge of a variety of literatures from early modern to contemporary literature i.e. African, world and contemporary literatures of the Global South.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Professional work ethic.
• Ability and willingness to work with a variety of students.
• Passionate about teaching/learning and research.
• Adherence to deadlines.
• Team player who relates well with colleagues and peers.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries Regarding Job Content

Prof Adri Breed: 0182991563

Enquiries Regarding Recruitment Process

Mr Byron Louw: 018 285 2304

Closing Date

16 December 2025

Planned Commencement of Duties

As soon as possible

Kindly Take Note

Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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