LECTURER.2.01 (NS.08.4)

Wits University; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Johannesburg seeks a candidate to oversee geophysical research management. Responsibilities include managing instruments, training students, and leading digital infrastructure development. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Geophysics or related field with experience in managing geophysical instruments and a strong research record. The role emphasizes research program establishment and collaboration across disciplines with minimal teaching duties.

Qualifications

• Experience with geophysical instruments, including seismic and electromagnetic methods.
• Familiarity with data processing platforms and programming languages.
• Ability to train and supervise students in field methods.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management and deployment of geophysical instruments.
• Provide technical support and training to students and researchers.
• Lead maintenance of digital infrastructure for geological datasets.

Skills

Managing geophysical instruments

Knowledge of electronics

Signal processing

Programming in Python

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Geophysics or related field

Tools

SEG-Y

GIS

MATLAB

Relational geodatabases

Job description

Brief Description

Key responsibilities will include :

• Oversee the management, calibration, maintenance, and deployment of a large suite of geophysical field and laboratory instruments.
• Provide technical support and training to students and researchers in the use of geophysical instrumentation for field acquisition and lab-based studies.
• Lead development and maintenance of digital infrastructure for managing geophysical and geological datasets (particularly legacy datasets), including data archival, cloud storage, and access systems.
• Lead the creation and curation of integrated digital geodatasets and geodatabases pertaining to both legacy and ongoing data gathering campaigns, including laboratories, collections, and research campaigns of the School and Institute.
• Create a geospatial portal to share data generated by the School for research purposes, and develop DOI identification for datasets.
• Support field logistics, including planning, procurement, and coordinating surveys or instrument sharing with the School’s Earth Quest Solutions team.
• Maintain and support the School’s geophysical computing facilities, including servers, software, and remote data processing capabilities.
• Supervise postgraduate students and develop an independent, externally-funded research program focused on high-quality scientific research.

The School of Geosciences at Wits University, together with the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI), is a recognized leader in Earth and palaeoscience research and training in Africa. The School hosts research centers such as AfricaArray Geophysics Programme, the Wits Seismic Research Centre, and CORES, supported by advanced facilities within the Earth Observatory super-laboratory. The ESI houses one of Africa’s largest fossil collections and collaborates closely with the School. This environment fosters interdisciplinary research addressing geology, palaeontology, geochemistry, geophysics, climate change, and resource sustainability. Located in Johannesburg, the School benefits from proximity to significant geological sites and maintains strong global partnerships. Learn more: geosciences / , and esi /

Requirements & Competencies

• A PhD in Geophysics, Geosciences, or related Electrical Engineering discipline with an emerging research record.
• Experience managing geophysical instruments, including seismic, electromagnetic, and potential field methods.
• Knowledge of electronics, signal processing, and instrumentation engineering principles.
• Experience with geodata processing platforms like SEG-Y, GIS, Earthworm, or ObsPy, and programming in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Familiarity with creating and maintaining integrated relational geodatabases across platforms like Microsoft Access, Micromine, Leapfrog, Datamine, using standards like VBA, SQL, Python.
• Ability to train and supervise students in field methods and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure, including managing Linux and PC-based clusters or cloud systems.
• Developing research track record with peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations; evidence of independent research and funding is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.

The candidate should establish an active, well-funded research program, publish in reputable journals, and attract postgraduate students. The focus will be on instrument and computing skills and training, with minimal teaching duties.