Associate Professor- Economic and Management Sciences (UFS) x1
Job Details
Job Title: Associate Professor / Professor
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Job ID: 6658
Reference Number: 2331
Faculty: Economic and Management Sciences
Department: Industrial Psychology
Employment Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Middle Management
Location: Qwaqwa Campus, Free State
Salary: Available on request
Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 10 November 2026
Job Description
The University of the Free State invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced academic professionals for the positions of Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology.
The successful candidates will be responsible for teaching Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, conducting high-quality research, publishing academic articles and supervising postgraduate students.
The positions also involve providing academic leadership, contributing to curriculum development, building partnerships with professional organisations and supporting the department’s strategic objectives in teaching, research and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Teach Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management modules to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Conduct high-quality research and publish articles in accredited national and international journals.
Produce research outputs in line with the faculty’s research strategy.
Supervise Honours, Master’s and PhD students, as well as professional Industrial Psychology interns.
Provide academic leadership in research, teaching, engaged scholarship and departmental administration.
Perform academic administration for undergraduate and postgraduate subjects.
Prepare, set and mark examination papers and memorandums.
Record student marks and handle student complaints.
Serve on academic committees within the university.
Perform additional duties assigned by the Dean and Head of Department.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with research institutions, civil society, government, industry and professional organisations.
Contribute to curriculum development within the faculty.
Minimum Requirements
The requirements differ according to the academic position.
A. Associate Professor
Applicants must have:
A relevant Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Industrial Psychology or Human Resource Management, or an equivalent doctoral qualification that articulates on a Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology.
Proven teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
Experience successfully supervising Master’s students to completion, preferably also PhD students and Industrial Psychology interns (where registered as an Industrial Psychologist).
Experience serving as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
Proven experience presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national and international conferences.
Experience serving on the editorial board of a scholarly journal.
National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area.
An NRF rating of C3 or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF C3 rating.
A proven research record with relevant publications in high-quality accredited national and international journals.
B. Professor
Applicants must have:
A relevant Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Industrial Psychology or Human Resource Management, or an equivalent doctoral qualification that articulates on a Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology.
Proven teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
Successful supervision of Master’s and PhD students to completion, as well as Industrial Psychology interns where applicable.
International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular academic field.
A strong research record with publications in high-quality accredited national and international journals.
Experience serving as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
Proven experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
Experience serving on the editorial board of a scholarly journal.
An NRF rating of C1/C2 or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF C1/C2 rating.
Membership or service on a national or international scholarly society, committee or research agency concerned with higher education research.
Additional Recommendations
The following will be advantageous:
Membership of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) or Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Applicants should attach proof of membership.
Evidence of professional supervision of intern Industrial Psychologists.
Proven experience teaching Industrial Psychology modules.
Evidence of applications for funding for multidisciplinary research projects.
Ability to engage with the wider public and disseminate research findings.
Required Skills and Competencies
Research and Academic Excellence: Strong research, publication, teaching and postgraduate supervision abilities.
Leadership: Ability to provide academic leadership and guide research and teaching activities.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, analyse information and solve problems.
Results Orientation: Ability to meet objectives, fulfil responsibilities and adapt to changing environments.
Business Acumen: Knowledge of institutional policies, workplace regulations and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Teamwork: Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage collaboration.
Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build professional relationships.
Organisational Skills: Ability to manage academic, research and administrative responsibilities effectively.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Available on request.
Additional benefits, subject to applicable conditions, include:
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Annual leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.