Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 826,000 - 1,270,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa invites applications for Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (Grade SL/AP) in the Department of Physics and Electronics. The post encompasses teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, research leadership in Astrophysics, and contributions to electronics teaching and departmental governance.

Candidates should have a PhD, a track record of publications and grants, and demonstrated leadership in teaching, assessment, research and community

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or a related discipline is required.
• Undergraduate teaching experience is required; postgraduate teaching is an advantage.
• Research in Astrophysics with ability to contribute to Electronics teaching is preferred.
• Supervision of research from Master’s to completion is expected.
• National presence in the discipline with potential for international profile.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in teaching, research, and community engagement.
• Contribute to governance and departmental leadership at multiple levels.
• Mentor students and supervise research from Master’s to PhD where applicable.

Skills

Teaching experience

Astrophysics research

Research supervision

Publications & grants

Leadership & administration

Electronics teaching

Education

PhD in Physics or related

Job description

Senior Lecturer/Associate professor (Grade SL/AP)

Department of Physics and Electronics

The Department of Physics and Electronics invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Senior Lecturer/Associate professor (Grade SL/AP)

Department of Physics and Electronics

The Department of Physics and Electronics invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for disseminating knowledge (teaching and learning), creating knowledge (research), and engaging in community engagement, recognising differences in executing these responsibilities within the various departments and faculties. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, faculty, and/or university levels and contribute to their profession.

In addition, professors and associate professors provide academic leadership in teaching and learning, research, and community engagement and contribute towards the institution's governance. This professor's leadership contribution should be evidenced at the departmental, faculty, and institutional levels.

The Requirements

Senior Lecturer:

• At least a PhD in Physics or a related discipline
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate level is required. Teaching at postgraduate levels is an advantage
• Experience in teaching Physics with an interest in Astrophysics. Research interest should be in Astrophysics, and the ability to contribute to Electronics teaching within the department will be an advantage
• Research supervision from at least a Master's degree to completion
• Emerging national profile in the discipline
• Track record of research publications and evidence of research grant acquisition
• Proven track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles in teaching, assessment, research and community engagement

Associate Professor:

• At least a PhD in Physics or a related discipline
• Considerable teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Experience in teaching Physics with an interest in Astrophysics. Research interest should be in Astrophysics, and the ability to contribute to Electronics teaching within the department will be an advantage
• Research supervision from at least a Master's and PhD degrees to completion
• National and emerging international profile in the discipline
• Track record of research publications and evidence of research grant acquisition
• Proven track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles in teaching, assessment, research and community engagement

Selection Process (provisional Date, Subject To Change)

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2026.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade AP)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R987,607

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

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade SL)

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 the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 21 September 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

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 underrepresented 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 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes 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

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.