Lecturer Sociology

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African university seeks an aspiring sociology academic to teach and perform research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The ideal candidate will facilitate the Africanisation of curriculum and have experience in managing large classes of 500+ students. Responsibilities include supervising postgraduate studies and contributing to departmental research. A strong background in sociological theories and methods is essential, along with proven publication track records. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates in line with the university's equity targets.

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years of experience in higher education.
• Experience in teaching and managing large classes.
• Proven potential to produce publications in accredited journals.

Responsibilities

• Teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Facilitate curriculum Africanisation.
• Supervise Honours and master’s candidates.
• Conduct research and publish findings.

Skills

Knowledge of sociological theoretical approaches

Social Science research methods

Teaching capability for large classes

Supervising postgraduate studies

Professional self-management

Education

MA degree in Sociology

PhD in Sociology

Job description

Core Purpose of Job

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the Faculty of Humanities seeks to appoint a self-motivated, dynamic, and aspiring academic in sociology to contribute to the teaching and research responsibilities of the department. The successful candidate will be expected to teach sociology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and contribute meaningfully to the broader academic project of the department particularly in the areas of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with key emphasis on health questions across a range of social and ecological landscapes pertinent to the Eastern Cape. The candidate must have a sound academic rooting in core sociological theories and research methods. These include, inter alia, knowledge of concepts, debates, and frameworks within African Sociological thought and possess demonstrable scholarly ability to advance such scholarship within the department and Faculty. The preferred candidate will have a proven track record in carrying out learning and teaching demands in a high-pressure public higher education institution with the ability to handle large classes, and a demanding teaching load and enable the learning success of a diverse student body. The candidate will be able to contribute towards the faculty strategy of Revitalisation of the Humanities as part of the transformation and intellectual repositioning of a dynamic and growing department.

Key Performance Areas

• Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Facilitate Africanisation and creative transformation of curriculum content at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Supervise Honours students independently and co-supervise master’s candidates (Depending on experience).
• Conduct research, attend academic conferences, and publish to improve the research profile of the department.
• Active membership in and service to departmental and faculty standing committees.
• Undertake administrative duties within the Sociology programs and the department at large.
• Facilitation of workshops, seminars, public lectures, and attend conferences.
• Collaborative team member towards Sociology curriculum revitalization

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of foundational areas of sociological theoretical approaches
• Knowledge of major approaches in Social Science/Humanities research methods
• Teaching and research capability towards a transformed Sociology and Humanities curriculum, particularly in light of debates on the Africanisation of the discipline
• Ability to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches into Sociology teaching and research.
• Ability to teach, manage, and conduct assessments for large undergraduate classes (classes of 500 or more students).
• Demonstrable experience in supervising postgraduate studies at the honours and master’s level.
• Professional self-management and the ability to operate collegially and competently within the complexities and challenges of the South African higher education environment.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and conduct themselves with excellence and professionalism in dynamic and high-pressure higher education environment
• Advanced administrative competencies.

Requirements

• A MA degree in Sociology, a PhD in Sociology would be an advantage.
• Experience of at least 2-3 years in facilitating teaching, research, and supervision at a higher education institution.
• Experience in teaching and managing large classes.
• Demonstrable potential to conduct high-level research that can produce publications in accredited scholarly journals, evidenced by at least two accredited publications.
• Shortlisted candidates may be requested to undergo some form of competency assessment.
• Candidates will be required to furnish three references.

Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets. No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 30 January 2026.