Associate Professor

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 826 000 - 988 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking an Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer for its Department of Secondary and Post-School Education. Candidates must have a PhD in Science Education and significant experience in teaching and research. The successful applicant will engage in teaching, community outreach and must possess leadership skills. This is a permanent position located in Makhanda, offering competitive remuneration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Science Education is required for both roles.
• Heavy involvement in teaching and community engagement activities.
• Extensive teaching experience at post-school education is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Teach and supervise students at various educational levels.
• Conduct research and supervise graduate projects.
• Engage with the community to enhance science education.

Skills

Experience in Science Education

Experience in STEM Education disciplines

Research supervision experience

Understanding of community engagement

Leadership and management skills

Education

PhD in Science Education

Job description

Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer (AP/SL)

Department of Secondary and Post School Education

The Department of Secondary and Post‑School Education invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team. Preference will be given to applicants who meet the criteria for the post at the level of Associate Professor.

The Department

The Department of Secondary and Post‑School Education offers pre‑service, in‑service, and postgraduate programs in teacher education. The incumbent will be expected to play an academic role in these programs, including leadership (e.g., program coordination).

Our Faculty offers a range of qualifications within and across three broad education sectors, namely: higher education, primary and early childhood education, and secondary and post‑school education, training, and development practices. This is offered in three departments and several affiliated centres and institutes.

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for the dissemination of knowledge (teaching and learning), creation of knowledge (research), community engagement and professional involvement in their field beyond the university, recognising that there are differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties. Academics are also expected to assume some administrative, management and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty and/or University level.

In addition, a Professor and Associate Professor are to provide academic leadership in the following areas: teaching and learning, research, professional involvement in the field, and community engagement, as well as to contribute towards the institution's governance. This leadership contribution of the Professor should be evidenced at the departmental, Faculty and institutional levels.

Responsibilities

• Teach and supervise students at pre‑service, in‑service, and postgraduate levels.
• Conduct research and supervise graduate and postgraduate research projects.
• Engage with the wider community and contribute to the development of science education and STEM education.
• Assume administrative or leadership roles within the department, Faculty or University.

Job Requirements

Associate Professor

• PhD in Science Education is required.
• Experience in teaching the following disciplinary areas: Science Education AND at least one other STEM Education discipline (preferably Information and Communication Technology/Educational Technology) is required.
• Extensive teaching experience at post‑school level is required, and at school level, will be an advantage.
• Research supervision experience of Science Education Masters and PhD degrees (to completion) is required. Additionally, supervision of ICT in Education OR other Technology Education, Engineering Education, or Mathematics Education research would be an advantage.
• A national and emerging international profile in the field of Science Education is required. A focus on integrated STEM Education would be an advantage.
• A track record of appropriate administration, management, and/or leadership roles is required.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Science Education is required.
• Experience in teaching in the following disciplinary areas: Science Education AND at least one other STEM Education discipline (preferably Information and Communication Technology/Educational Technology) is required.
• Teaching experience at the post‑school level is required, and at the school level will be an advantage.
• Research supervision experience of at least Science Education Masters degrees (to completion) is required. Additionally, supervision of ICT in Education OR other Technology Education, Engineering Education, or Mathematics Education research would be an advantage.
• An emerging national profile in the field of Science Education is required. A focus on integrated STEM education would be an advantage.
• A track record of appropriate administration, management, and/or leadership roles is required.

Application Process

Prospective candidates must read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

Required Documents

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications.
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation, and contact information should include at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation covering the following topics: Research and supervision experience; Teaching experience at post‑school level, and school level; Community engagement experience; Professional involvement and contribution to Science Education and other STEM Education disciplines; Appropriate leadership, administration, and management experience.

Please note that no hand‑written applications will be considered. Please submit all documentation to ensure an application is not disqualified.

Any questions or inquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to [e-mail].

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change)

• Short‑listing meeting date will be confirmed.
• The selection process will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum

Associate Professor

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R987 607

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1 270 054

Senior Lecturer

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R826 322

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1 069 564

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed‑term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with filling the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 11 February 2026

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of under‑represented designated groups, as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University’s Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.
These values are: Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion.