Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Physics
Sol Plaatje University
Kimberley, Northern Cape
Permanent
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Posted 13 October 2025 - Closing Date 24 October 2025

Job Details

Job Description

Purpose
The incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and post-graduate level courses in astrophysics and other general fields of physics. The applicant will also be expected to develop new academic and research programmes in astrophysics/radio astronomy and undertake research in their field of interest. A broad-based training in Physics with post-graduate specialisation in astrophysics/radio astronomy is an essential requirement for this position. Preference will be given to candidates with proven research experience in astrophysics/radioastronomy. The appointee will report to the Head of Department: Physical and Earth Sciences, and will be expected to contribute to the development and growth of the department.

Minimum Requirements 

Professor

  • PhD in Astronomy/Radio Astronomy or cognate field.
  • At least ten (10) years of teaching experience at tertiary institutions.
  • Proven track record of research excellence in the relevant field/discipline, evidence of a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed journal publications in ISI/DHET accredited journals,
  • Successful supervision (to completion) of post-graduate students at both master's and PhD level.
  • Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding
  • NRF rating is a requirement for South African Citizens and Permanent Residents. International applicants must demonstrate compelling evidence of eligibility and readiness to successfully apply for NRF rating
  • Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
  • Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
Associate Professor
  • PhD in Astronomy/Radio Astronomy or cognate field.
  • At least ten (10) years of teaching experience at tertiary institutions.
  • Proven track record of research excellence in the relevant field/discipline, evidence of a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed journal publications in ISI/DHET accredited journals, 
  • Successful supervision (to completion) of post-graduate students at both master's and PhD level.
  • Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding.
  • NRF rating is strongly recommended.
  • Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
  • Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.

Senior lecturer

  • PhD in Astronomy/Radio Astronomy or cognate field.
  • At least five (5) years of teaching experience at tertiary institutions.
  • Proven track record of research excellence in the relevant field/discipline, evidence of continuous publications of peer-reviewed journal in ISI/DHET accredited journals,
  • Successful supervision (to completion) of post-graduate students at both master's and PhD level,
  • Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding.
  • NRF rating is recommended.
  • Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
  • Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.

Duties and responsibilities 

Teaching and Learning

  • Compile work schemes in collaboration with colleagues.
  • Research and utilize new and emerging approaches and technology in teaching.
  • The professional preparation of teaching media.
  • The professional preparation of notes to supplement or substitute prescribed textbooks.
  • Research and selection of suitable reference material to supplement textbooks.
  • The facilitation of an effective teaching situation in which the learning experience can take place successfully.
  • The upgrading of course content/ development of new courses and/or modules to keep up with the latest requirements of the discipline.
  • Student and peer evaluations of teaching performance.
  • Apply appropriate assessment methods.
  • External examining and invitations to teach externally.
Research
  • Develop research projects.
  • Apply for research grants.
  • Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
  • Draw up performance plans for research teams.
  • Commercialisation of research output.
  • Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.
  • Act as study leader of student/lecturer study groups.
  • Publish research results.
  • Membership of professional bodies to keep abreast of new developments.
  • Fundraising and stewardship to donors.
  • Explore fundraising opportunities for research projects.
  • Work with advancement/grants department (including own team), as well as faculty and interdisciplinary teams to continually identify prospects (corporates, trusts, foundations, individuals) as well as high-profile ‘door-openers’ for SPU’s, as well as faculty research priority projects.
  • Compile funding appeals/ proposals.
  • Conduct regular evaluation of fundraising activities.
  • Post-graduate supervision.
  • Recruit prospective students.
  • Supervise postgraduate students studying towards obtaining a qualification.
  • Ensure that researchers keep abreast with the current research standards.

Community Engagement

  • Contribute to community engagement initiatives.
  • Integrate community engagement interventions into curriculum.
  • Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities Curriculum.
  • Development and Accreditation.
  • Contributes to curriculum development.
  • Participate in curriculum review and the development of new courses/modules to ensure alignment with sector/discipline norms and requirements.
  • Review assessment methods for self and others.
  • Revise and submit programmes for accreditation by relevant accreditation bodies Student Academic Development.
  • Identify students at risk timeously.
  • Develop intervention strategies.
  • Provide counselling to students.
  • Monitor student progress.
  • Make necessary referrals for students, where needed.

Administration

  • Keep attendance registers.
  • Record student results.
  • Assist with the registration of students.
  • Supervise tests and examinations.
  • Implement policies and procedures applicable to the teaching and learning, community engagement, research, SHE and academic administration functions.
  • Participate and chair departmental committees.
  • Manage marketing of programmes and aspects of open/careers days.

Quality Assurance

  • Contribute to Quality Assurance through committee meetings and submission of relevant documents.
  • Identify QA feedback mechanism within the school/department.
  • Monitor the impact of QA recommendations within the school/department.
  • Implement appropriate interventions Academic Management.
  • Contributes to policy-making.
  • Set annual objectives pertaining to academic programmes Participate in the review of teaching, research, community engagement and academic administration objectives.
  • Contribute to the development of academic-related decision-making.
  • Acts as programme leader, mentor and coach.
  • Management of tutor activities.
  • Personal/ Professional Development
  • Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
  • Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU.
  • Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate)
  • Engage in current professional development activities.
  • Prepare development plan for promotion to the next level, within stipulated time frame.
  • Ongoing development required by professional body.
  • Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.
  • Present research study papers at conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

  • Develop relevant reports as and when required.
  • Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.


Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.