Associate Professor/Professor: Educational Psychology
- University: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Education
- Department: Department of Education Foundations
- Job ID: 6573
- Reference: 2255
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 1 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking an Associate Professor or Professor in Educational Psychology to join the Department of Education Foundations. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, curriculum development and academic leadership within the field of Educational Psychology.
The position requires an established academic with a strong research profile, experience in higher education, postgraduate supervision, research funding and academic leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the department.
- Supervise postgraduate students in Educational Psychology.
- Participate in the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning and Teaching Practice programmes.
- Conduct research in relevant areas of Educational Psychology.
- Publish research in accredited national and international journals.
- Contribute to curriculum and programme development.
- Apply for external research and teaching/learning grants.
- Mentor and support junior academic staff.
- Participate in departmental and faculty leadership and administrative activities.
- Lead or co-lead collaborative research projects.
Requirements – Associate Professor
Applicants for the Associate Professor level must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Educational Psychology.
- At least 5 years’ relevant higher education experience.
- Proven research leadership and teaching and learning management experience.
- Experience serving as an external postgraduate examiner.
- Experience presenting peer-reviewed research at national conferences.
- Experience serving on the editorial board of high-quality national scholarly journals.
- National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Experience supervising completed master’s-degree students.
- A strong publication record in accredited national and international journals.
- Membership of a national scholarly society, research committee/agency or equivalent international body.
- Experience in curriculum and/or programme development.
- Evidence of obtaining research or training grants during the past five years.
- Experience co-leading collaborative research projects during the past five years.
Requirements – Professor
Applicants for the Professor level must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Educational Psychology.
- At least 7 years’ relevant higher education experience.
- Proven research leadership and teaching and learning management experience.
- Experience as an external examiner for master’s and/or doctoral students.
- Editorial board experience with high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
- International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Successful supervision of completed master’s students and preferably doctoral students.
- Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
- Membership of an international scholarly society or research committee/agency.
- Experience in curriculum and/or programme development.
- Evidence of attracting external research or training grants in the past five years.
- Experience leading collaborative research projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI during the past five years.
Recommended Skills
- Experience with different research methodologies and/or data analysis tools.
- Experience in grant writing and preparing research funding applications.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Results Orientation
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Reliability and accountability.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail and organisation.
- Ability to plan and execute work effectively.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow institutional rules and procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
- Ability to lead, take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to collaborate and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Strong negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, UFS offers benefits that may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their applications online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
The application must include:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Proof of current/most recent employment for external applicants, such as an appointment letter, service certificate or recent payslip
- All documents required under the inherent requirements
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments, so applicants are encouraged to merge documents where necessary.
Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
1 September 2026
Applicants who are not contacted within six weeks after the closing date may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
Apply via the official UFS vacancy portal
Enquiries
Telephone: 051 401 2558
Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Additional assistance: 051 401 2979 / 9813
The UFS is an equal opportunity and designated employer committed to excellence, diversity and redress in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan.