LECTURER/ SENIOR LECTURER

UWC Sport; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Western Cape (UWC) invites applications for a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology. The role focuses on initiating a marine biology research programme with conservation emphasis, alongside undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and supervision.

The department seeks a motivated candidate to contribute to curriculum development, community engagement, and academic leadership, in a broad biodiversity context at the Bellville campus.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology and/or Marine Conservation Biology or related field.
• Proven record of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at a tertiary institution.
• Evidence of curriculum development or renewal.
• Publications in national and international peer‑reviewed journals.
• Proven record of securing external research funding.
• Demonstrated experience of successful postgraduate supervision.
• Proven record of community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
• Provide academic leadership and administration.
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment content creation.
• Participate in community engagement and outreach.
• Develop and update learning and teaching materials.
• Develop and lead an externally funded research programme (future expectation).
• Attend local and international conferences.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement and outreach.
• Perform administrative functions such as department representation on committees and marks management.

Skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Organisational skills

Tech literacy / e-learning

Ethical AI use

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Biology/Marine Conservation Biology

M.Sc. in Marine Biology

Ph.D. underway or registered (for Lecturer role)

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

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

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.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• 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.

Required Competencies

• 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.