Senior Lecturer

UWC; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Linguistics at University of the Western Cape invites applications for Senior Lecturer in multilingualism and related areas. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses and supervise postgraduate students, with a focus on systemic functional linguistics, semiotics, and formal/theoretical linguistics.

The role requires active research leadership, curriculum development, and engagement in community or policy-relevant projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics or related field.
• 3–5 years of teaching experience at undergrad/postgrad level.
• Strong research output with community engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in linguistics and related areas.
• Supervise postgraduate students and mentor learners.
• Contribute to curriculum design and teaching innovation.
• Engage in programme coordination and departmental administration.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives and partnerships.

Skills

multilingualism

sociolinguistics

systemic functional linguistics

formal linguistics

forensic linguistics

communication

media studies

semiotics

multimodality

critical discourse analysis

Education

PhD in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics

Job description

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Title of Position

Post Number

8022144

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape > Arts and Humanities > Linguistics

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Closing Date

30/10/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

SENIOR LECTURER: LINGUISTICS

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

The Department of Linguistics has a vacancy for a suitably qualified candidate for the post of Senior Lecturer in multilingualism, sociolinguistics, systemic functional linguistics, formal/theoretical linguistics, forensic linguistics, communication, (critical) media studies, social semiotics and multimodality, literacy and critical discourse analysis. The Department of Linguistics seeks to appoint an individual whose strength and research is in systemic functional linguistics, semiotics, descriptive linguistics and/or formal/theoretical linguistics. In addition, the candidate is expected to teach at theundergrad and post-grad levels as well as supervise at thepostgraduate level. In addition to this, conduct research that contributes to research in established and emerging areas of the Department's interests.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the above-mentioned areas of need, and provide leadership and innovation in learning and teaching.
• Leverage their research standing to enhance the profile of the department in relevant academic networks.
• Supervise postgraduate students in the above-mentioned areas of need and mentor students.
• Demonstrated involvement in programme coordination or departmental administration.
• Representation on Faculty and/or institutional committee.
• Evidence of meaningful, sustained involvement in community engagement initiatives, such as leading or co‑leading service‑learning, public sector partnerships, or policy‑relevant projects. Clear integration of community engagement with academic expertise.
• PhD in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Evidence of curriculum design or significant teaching innovation including the planning and delivery of undergraduate or postgraduate modules. Use of inclusive pedagogical practices informed by student and peer feedback.
• Minimum of 4 accredited discipline-recognised research outputs, including creative or practice-based work where applicable.
• Supervision to completion of at least 2 (two) Master's or 6 (six) Honours students as main supervisor, or supervision equivalencies as determined by faculties.
• Knowledge of developments in contemporary communication and media and ability to use relevant online learning management systems.
• Proficiency in or ability to work with African languages (this includes Afrikaans).

Recommendations/Added advantages:

• NRF (National Research Foundation) rating.
• National and/or international standing and appropriate in research, teaching, supervision, mentoring early career academics and community engagement.
• Ability to attract or source national or international grant funding.
• Demonstrated active and sustained engagement in academic or professional communities beyond the institution. Involvement should include membership and meaningful participation in scholarly or professional associations, regular contribution to editorial processes, peer review, or leadership in discipline-based networks or working groups.
• Developing leadership roles, such as convening panels, organising academic events, or coordinating scholarly collaborations.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. 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. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.