Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor Specialising in Pastoral Theology and Praxis /[...]

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor specializing in Pastoral Theology and Praxis. The role involves teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students, conducting research, and supervising students at graduate levels. Candidates are required to have a PhD in Practical Theology and demonstrate strong teaching and research skills. An excellent opportunity to influence students and engage in impactful research in a diverse cultural context.

Qualifications

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialization in Pastoral Care and Counselling.
• Experience in supervising postgraduate students.
• Active participation in professional community and scholarly engagement.

Responsibilities

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in pastoral theology.
• Conduct research within pastoral theology and praxis.
• Publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Experience in teaching

Research skills

Knowledge of pastoral care and counselling

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in Practical Theology

Master's degree in Practical Theology

Tools

Learning Management Systems

Job description

Overview

Job title: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor Specialising in Pastoral Theology and Praxis / Pastoral Care and Counselling
Department: Practical and Missional Theology (Job ID 6217)
Job Location: Free State, Bloemfontein
Deadline: September 22, 2025

Duties and responsibilities

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in pastoral theology and praxis, which includes the pastoral theological practices: pastoral care and counselling and/or therapy in a diverse cultural and African context.
• Actively conduct research within the broader framework of pastoral theology and praxis and its interdisciplinary potential.
• Synthesize knowledge through the publication of scientific papers in peer‑reviewed journals and DHET‑accredited journals.
• Communicate research findings at scientific conferences.
• Source funding for research from international and national funding organisations.
• Participate actively in the professional community.
• Supervise postgraduate students at master’s and PhD levels.
• Participate actively in leadership and administration at Departmental and Faculty level.
• Participate in various scholarly engagement opportunities at research, community engagement, or in‑service learning levels.

Inherent Job Requirements :

Lecturer

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling, evident from the PhD research project OR a PhD in a similar Theology / Religion degree or in Psychology / Social Work will be considered if the PhD research project specialised in Pastoral Care and Counselling (for a permanent appointment).
• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in DHET‑accredited journals.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling, evident from the PhD research project OR a PhD in a similar Theology / Religion degree or in Psychology / Social Work will be considered if the PhD research project specialised in Pastoral Care and Counselling (for a permanent appointment).
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication(s) in peer‑reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher‑education levels.

Associate Professor

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling, evident from the PhD research project OR a PhD in a similar Theology / Religion degree or in Psychology / Social Work will be considered if the PhD research project specialised in Pastoral Care and Counselling (for a permanent appointment).
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high‑quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international DHET‑accredited journals.
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels OR showed evidence of service as an active member of an international equivalent.

Recommendations :

• Preference will be given to registration at the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a general counsellor, which implies the ability to supervise counselling students during internships (This suggests a completed honours degree in Psychology).
• Preference will be given to a Counsel for Pastoral and Spiritual Counselling (CPSC) registration, no lower than Designation Level 4: Religious specialist (Affiliate with the Association of Christian Religious Practitioners (ACRP)).
• Preference will be given to experience in empirical research (field work) skills and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
• Active participation in local practical, pastoral and/or diaconal academic societies.
• Preference will be given to at least one (1) year of teaching experience in a higher education environment, on both an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• The ability to teach with digital skills and competence.
• Practical experience in individual counselling and community work in a faith‑based environment or with communities in need.
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) related to Higher Education Institutions (e.g., Blackboard) or related experience with institutional systems and the ability to navigate through them.
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