Lead Chemistry Educator

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Professional development opportunities

Generous time off and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Chemistry Educator to oversee the chemistry curriculum across high school to pre-university levels in our Cape Town campus. You will mentor a team of educators, design engaging lab experiences, and drive innovative teaching practices that align with standards and best practices.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Chemistry, 7+ years of teaching, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry.
• Minimum 7 years teaching experience in secondary or tertiary education.
• At least 2 years in leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to teach advanced chemistry topics and design laboratory experiments.
• Strong understanding of educational psychology and diverse learning needs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to inclusive and engaging learning in Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance the chemistry curriculum across levels.
• Lead and mentor chemistry educators, guiding teaching strategies.
• Deliver instruction in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
• Design and oversee safe laboratory practical sessions.
• Create engaging teaching materials, assessments, and projects.
• Evaluate student performance and provide timely feedback.
• Foster inquiry-based learning and critical thinking.
• Organize science fairs, competitions, and field trips related to chemistry.
• Collaborate with peers to integrate chemistry with other sciences.
• Stay updated with chemistry advancements and educational best practices.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

Educational psychology

Assessment design

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Lab safety & equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Chemistry Educator for their prestigious educational institution located in the heart of Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior role is ideal for a passionate scientist and educator who thrives on inspiring young minds and shaping the future of chemistry education. The Lead Chemistry Educator will be responsible for overseeing the chemistry curriculum, mentoring junior educators, and delivering high-quality instruction to students from high school to pre-university levels. The successful candidate will possess a profound knowledge of chemical principles, laboratory practices, and contemporary educational methodologies. This position requires a proactive approach to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with national and international standards, and fostering a stimulating learning environment within the Cape Town campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the chemistry curriculum across all relevant academic levels.
• Lead and mentor a team of chemistry educators, providing guidance on teaching strategies and classroom management.
• Deliver exceptional instruction in various chemistry disciplines, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
• Design and oversee engaging laboratory practical sessions, ensuring safety protocols are strictly adhered to.
• Create innovative teaching materials, assessments, and projects to enhance student understanding and retention.
• Evaluate student performance through assignments, exams, and practical assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Foster a positive and inquiry-based learning environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Organize and supervise science fairs, competitions, and field trips related to chemistry.
• Collaborate with the broader academic team to integrate chemistry concepts with other science disciplines.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advancements in chemistry and educational best practices.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of teaching experience in secondary or tertiary education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to teach advanced chemistry topics and design effective laboratory experiments.
• Strong understanding of educational psychology and diverse learning needs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and assessment development.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety standards and equipment management.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment within Cape Town .
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent teaching certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and educational resources.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conference attendance.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates moving to Cape Town .
• Opportunity to shape the direction of chemistry education at a leading institution.