Senior Lecturer

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university is looking for a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at their Potchefstroom campus. The role involves significant teaching responsibilities in ecology, mentoring postgraduate students, and conducting research in herpetology. Applicants should hold a PhD and have relevant teaching and research experience. The position offers a permanent appointment with a competitive remuneration package.

Qualifications

• A PhD with a specialization in Herpetology.
• A minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience at tertiary level.
• Sound experience in field excursions.

Responsibilities

• Support undergraduate and Honours module teaching.
• Conduct tutorials and workshops.
• Initiate research projects and supervise students.

Skills

Teaching experience

Research publication record

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical abilities

Education

PhD in Zoology or Environmental Sciences

Job description

North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus)

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

Position Number: P001150

Position: Senior Lecturer – Zoology

Peromnes Grade: A7

Employment Type: Permanent Appointment

Purpose of the Position

A Senior Lecturer is expected to make contributions to the teaching effort of the Department of Zoology and School of Biological Sciences. An academic at this level is also expected to play a role in scholarship, research, postgraduate supervision and/or professional activities. To build on the existing strengths of the subject group, the incumbent will be required to conduct research in the area of Herpetology (study of amphibians and reptiles), teach ecology at undergraduate level as well as modules within the BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences programmes.

Minimum Requirements

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Zoology or Environmental Sciences with specialisation in Herpetology.
• A minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience at a tertiary level.
• Sound practical experience to lead students in work‑integrated learning and field excursions.
• Supervision of postgraduate students.
• Demonstrate evidence through lead authorship on research collaboration publications.
• Relevant work experience in herpetology and conservation ecology.

Recommendations / Added Advantages

• Registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
• Membership with national and international learned scientific societies.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Support the teaching and learning of undergraduate and Honours modules with a focus on applied biodiversity and conservation ecology.
• Conduct tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Actively involved in the development of new courses where needed.
• Organise and lead official undergraduate and Honours field excursions.

Research and Innovation

• Initiate research projects and supervise postgraduate students.
• Conduct research, publish and engage in second, third and fifth–stream income‑generating projects.
• Coordinate and assist with student training on the amphibian collection of the subject group.
• Maintain academic scholarship and involvement in professional activities and contribute to professional organisations.

Social Responsiveness and Industrial Involvement

• Lead community engagement activities/projects.
• Develop community‐focused biodiversity and conservation projects.
• Participate in ongoing community engagement projects.

Academic Leadership, Management, and Administration

• Assist and take proactive actions to develop and train students and members of the subject group.
• Serve on related research/ethics/integrity/management committees.

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance in the fields of herpetology and conservation ecology.
• A proven publication record in accredited scholarly journals – proven track record with first‑author collaborative publications.
• Evidence of supervising and successful completion of postgraduate students (M level).
• Record of national and international networking, collaboration, and recognition (e.g. NRF evaluation).
• Proficiency in taxonomy.
• Evidence of competency and accreditation in animal research ethics.
• Competency in biological sampling, specimen curation, and molecular analyses of samples.

Behavioural Competencies

• Effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal relations.
• The ability to function well individually and as part of a team.
• Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as the ability to be self‑driven.
• The ability to solve problems independently.
• Good time management and problem‑solving skills.
• Good planning and organising skills, as well as good scientific writing skills.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries Regarding Job Content May Be Directed To

Prof. Ché Weldon, Tel: [phone]

Enquiries Regarding Recruitment Process May Be Directed To

Mr. Zenyo Seboko, Tel: [phone]

Closing Date

19 November 2025

Planned Commencement of Duties

As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.