Senior Lecturer (Archival Programme)

University of the Western Cape; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape invites applications for a permanent Senior Lecturer in the Department of Historical Studies. The role combines research and teaching duties with active involvement in UWC's archival activation programmes and the New Archival Visions initiative.

The successful candidate will publish, teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, participate in governance, and collaborate on digitisation and partnerships within a diverse academic community.

Qualifications

• PhD in History or cognate discipline.
• Established track record in research suitable for Senior Lecturer.
• Evidence of successful teaching and supervision of postgraduate work.
• Interest in developing a research niche and new curriculum areas.
• Engagement with archival collections in research and practice.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research and publish in peer-reviewed venues.
• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes.
• Participate in departmental, faculty, and university administration.
• Engage with community outreach and public programmes.
• Contribute to archival activation and digitisation priorities.
• Support development of institutional partnerships and internships.
• Develop long-term preservation plans and collections policies with relevant bodies.

Education

PhD in History or cognate discipline

Established research record

Experience in teaching & curriculum development

Supervision of postgraduate student work

Presentation & facilitation skills

Coaching & mentoring

Planning & organising

Computer literacy & e-learning

Willingness to engage with archival management software

Tools

Archival management software

Job description

University of the Western Cape -> Arts and Humanities -> History

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Closing Date

31/8/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Department of Historical Studies

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a research-led institution recognised nationally and internationally for its sustained contribution to democratic change in South Africa.

The Faculty of Arts & Humanities seeks to appoint a Senior Lecturer in a permanent position in the Department of Historical Studies . The Department is a vibrant space with an expansive cohort of postgraduate student and a record of innovative research and teaching in the fields of African History, Public & Visual History, Museum & Heritage Studies, Forensic History, Activism & Archives, Oral History, Experimental Writing .

This specific position is linked to the university’s archival programme (New Archival Visions) designed to support the activation and development of UWC’s research archives, and to stimulate public programmes in the new Archive Precinct. The position’s duty will be divided equally between research and teaching duties in the Department of Historical Studies, and archival development and activation.

The successful candidate will be expected to :

• Carry out research and publish.
• Contribute to the learning and teaching programme at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Actively participate in departmental, faculty, and university administration.
• Participate in community engagement.
• Contribute to archival activation programmes with regard to important research collections.
• Contribute to collaborative processes with regard to digitisation priorities and the development of UWC ’ s digital infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development of institutional partnerships and internship programmes.
• Work with the relevant archive governing body (and related committees) to develop the long-term preservation plan, collections management policies, and human resource plan for the UWC archive.
• A PhD degree in History or cognate discipline.
• A n established track record in research at the level appropriate to Senior Lecturer.
• Evidence of successful teaching, curriculum development, and supervision of postgraduate student work.
• An interest in developing a research niche and new areas of the curriculum.
• Proven expertise in engagement with archival collections (in terms of research, practice and intellectual engagement).
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment.
• Student-focused approach.
• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills.
• Experience or willingness to learn archival management software.
• Knowledge and skills in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership.

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.