Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology. The ideal candidate will engage in teaching and research, focusing on biodiversity and ecological systems. Responsibilities include developing lecture series, supervising students, and securing research funding. Applicants must have a PhD and experience in teaching and research. The position offers a permanent appointment with a start date of January 2026 or sooner.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate evolution or ecology modules.
• Published research in international journals.

Responsibilities

• Teaching evolution, ecology, and behavioural ecology modules.
• Establishing an active research program and publishing research.
• Supervising postgraduate students.

Skills

English Communication

Research Funding

R Coding

Education

PhD in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology

Tools

R

Job description

Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology

• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University

The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and global change biology. We focus on biodiversity dynamics, ecological systems, evolutionary processes, and marine-terrestrial interactions, particularly in terrestrial vertebrate evolutionary ecology. Candidates interested in innovative teaching, research, and training are invited to apply. For more, visit: our research areas.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching evolution, ecology, and behavioural ecology modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Developing up-to-date lecture series for Biodiversity and Ecology modules.
• Establishing an active research program and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting research at national and international conferences.
• Supervising postgraduate students, especially in terrestrial vertebrate systems.
• Securing research funding.
• Participating in activities promoting Social Impact and Transformation.
• Contributing to departmental and faculty administrative activities as required.

Minimum Criteria

Requirements:

• A PhD in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology, focused on ornithology or terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
• Proficiency in English communication.

For Lecturer:

• Experience teaching undergraduate evolution or ecology modules and Statistics (R environment).
• Published research in international journals in relevant fields.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students (at least honours level).
• Ability to read, understand, and apply R code.
• Knowledge of evolutionary and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
• Experience in securing external funding.

For Senior Lecturer:

• Experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate evolution or ecology modules and Statistics (R environment).
• Consistent publication record in high-quality international journals.
• Active research in behavioural/evolutionary and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
• Proficiency in R coding and teaching statistical methods using R.
• Successful supervision of MSc students.
• Proven ability to secure research funding.

Additional: Applicants will be asked to present a recent research lecture during interviews.

Recommendations: Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience preferred.

Application Details

Start date: 01 January 2026 or ASAP

Contact: Prof Theresa Wossler, 021 808 3160, [e-mail]

HR inquiries: 021 808 2753 / 021 938 9636, [e-mail]

Stellenbosch University promotes employment equity. Appointments will align with EE plans. The university reserves the right not to appoint.

Applications must include a comprehensive CV with at least three referees' contact details and be submitted before the deadline. Background checks and qualification verification may be conducted. Medical screening is required for roles with potential hazard exposure. If no response is received within 4-6 weeks post-deadline, assume unsuccessful application.

About Stellenbosch University

Home to 29,000 students and 3,000 staff across five campuses, in a scenic university town in the Western Cape. The campus features historic and modern architecture, environmentally friendly facilities, and a focus on sustainability.

Giving Back

Contributing to South African higher education through revenue sharing via unitalentza Job Platform, a dedicated job listing service for South African universities.