LECTURER/ SENIOR LECTURER

University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape invites applications for a LecturER/Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Department pursues marine biology and conservation biology with active research and teaching commitments.

The role includes conducting research, supervising students, curriculum development, outreach, and developing funded research programmes in marine topics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Marine Biology or related field with strong research output.
• Proven record in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at a tertiary level.
• Experience in curriculum renewal and learning material development.
• Evidence of external research funding and conference activity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and publish in local and international peer‑reviewed journals.
• Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
• Provide academic leadership and department administration.
• Develop and update learning materials; create course readers and assessments.
• Participate in community engagement and outreach activities.
• Develop and lead an externally funded research programme (future expectation).
• Attend local and international conferences; contribute to stakeholder engagement.

Skills

English (fluency)

Curriculum development

Research supervision

Grant writing

Time management

E-learning skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Biology or related

M.Sc. in Marine Biology

Postgraduate supervision experience

Job description

Title of Position

LECTURER/ SENIOR LECTURER

Post Number

739S (0490)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

N/A

Closing Date

30/9/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa, for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and developing centres of excellence of national importance. Part of this striving for excellence is a commitment to biodiversity conservation and research.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. The faculty comprises nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and a number of world-class research institutes and centres. The faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines and a professional degree in Pharmacy.

The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology is located within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. It is a dynamic department with strong research foci on Marine Biology, African Biodiversity, Ecology, Behavioural Ecology and Systematics. The department provides undergraduate teaching broadly focused on themes within Botany and Zoology, and offers service courses in Life Science, as well as Plant and Animal Diversity, to several other Faculties within the University.The department seeks to appoint a highly motivated, dynamic individual to join the department and initiate a research programme in Marine Biology with a strong interest in Conservation Biology.

• Conduct research and publish in local and international peer-reviewed, accredited journals relevant to the broader research field.
• Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
• Provide academic leadership and administration.
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment content creation, course readers, tutorial worksheets, assignments, etc.
• Participate in community engagement and outreach.
• Develop and update learning and teaching materials
• Develop and lead an internationally competitive, externally funded research programme (in the case of Lecturer this will be a future expectation).
• Attend local and international conferences.
• Actively contribute to stakeholder engagement and outreach.
• Perform administrative functions such as representing the department on university committees, and management of marks administration.

Minimum Requirements for Senior Lecturer

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology and/or Marine Conservation Biology or related discipline.
• Proven record of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at a tertiary institution in the relevant field.
• Evidence of curriculum development or renewal.
• A record of research and research dissemination by publications in national and international peer-reviewed, accredited journals and conference attendance.
• Proven record of securing research funding from external sources.
• Demonstrated experience of successful postgraduate supervision, especially at Master's level.
• Proven record of community engagement

Minimum Requirements for Lecturer

• M.Sc. in Marine Biology and/ or Marine Conservation Biology, or a related discipline currently registered for a Ph.D with clear completion plan.
• 1-2 Ph.D related publications already completed.
• Proven record of undergraduate teaching at a tertiary institution in the relevant field commensurate with level of appointment.
• Record of research or participation in ongoing research.
• Record of community engagement.
• Proven verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Time management, planning and organisational skills.
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills.
• Ethical use of AI for research and/or teaching.

Added advantage and preferences

• Experience in departmental academic governance/management.
• Record of teaching large undergraduate classes (>200 students).
• Prior experience in the practice of marine conservation, e.g. implementation of strategies or policies.
• Evidence of active engagement with conservation management or related activities.

In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets.