Lecturer in Data Science and AI, University of Pretoria

Zindi; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa seeks a Lecturer specializing in Data Science and AI related to plant health. The role involves research, teaching, and supervising students within a multidisciplinary team. Candidates must hold a PhD and have a proven research record. Applications are invited online with a closing date of 16 May 2025.

Benefits

50% contribution to medical aid scheme

Engagement with diverse stakeholders

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field required.
• Experience in teaching and research with a strong publication record.
• Specialization in data science and AI related to plant health.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in data science and AI for plant health.
• Teach undergraduate and honours students.
• Supervise postgraduate students.

Skills

Teaching

Research

Communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD degree

Job description

About Us

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

The incumbent’s responsibilities will include:

• Joining a world class team of researchers working in the field of plant health and productivity in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI);
• Associating with the Department of Computer Science and the African Institute for Data Science and AI (AfriDSAI);
• Undertaking goal directed research in the field of Data Science and AI related to plant health and productivity and supervising postgraduate students in these fields;
• Contributing to undergraduate and honours teaching in the associated Department;
• Participating as a member of the FABI Management Committee to advance the goals of the institute;
• Participating in the activities of other research teams within FABI and contributing to the effective operation of the Institute;
• Engaging with a broad range of stakeholders linked to the Institute including other UP collaborators, international collaborators, local government and industry (including extension), as well as funding organisations that provide external support for FABI’s research.
  
  

Lecturer

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant PhD degree;
• Teaching and research experience with an established publication record in leading international journals that demonstrates research at a high international standard;
• Specialisation in the field of data science and AI, related to plant health, sensor technologies or related fields with applications relevant to Forestry and Agriculture;
• Evidence of the ability to gain an NRF rating in the near future.
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• The ability to inspire students;
• Commitment to working in a strong multidisciplinary research team and addressing grand challenges in Agriculture and Forestry;
• The ability to teach classes effectively;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  
  

Added Advantages And Preferences

• A research focus on data science and AI;
• Experience in working with emerging technologies in the field of plant health or productivity or plant phenotyping;
• Experience working with other forms of biological data;
• Experience working with sensor and imaging technologies;
• Experience working with GIS linked data
• Experience working with climate change data;
• Experience in engaging a broad range of academic and non-academic stakeholders and fundraising experience.
  
  

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at https://www.up.ac.za/ and follow the link: Careers@UP.

CLOSING DATE: 16 May 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries

Mr T Moodley, Tel: [phone] for application-related enquiries, and Prof B Slippers, Tel: [phone] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 July 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
• Names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research);
• Self-evaluation.