Thursday, April 30

    Academic Position: Associate Professor/ Professor (Permanent appointment) and Director (Contract appointment: 5 years, with the possibility of serving a second term): Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) (Job ID 6141) – (1834)

    Job Overview:


    The University of the Free State (UFS) is recruiting an experienced and visionary academic to serve as both Associate Professor/Professor (permanent appointment) and Director of the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) (five-year contract with potential renewal). This dual role combines cutting-edge academic leadership in geohydrology with strategic and operational oversight of a prestigious research institute. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing groundwater science through research, postgraduate education, industry partnerships, and sustainable innovation.

    Job Title: Associate Professor/Professor (Permanent) & Director (5-Year Contract) – Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS)
    Company: University of the Free State
    Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa
    Employment Type: Permanent (Academic) and Contract (Director – 5 years, renewable)

    Responsibilities:

    As Associate Professor/Professor:

    • Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in geohydrology.

    • Conduct and publish impactful research in accredited journals.

    • Present findings at national and international conferences.

    • Supervise master’s and PhD students.

    • Secure external research funding.

    • Engage actively in professional societies and academic committees.

    As Director (Head of Department):

    • Provide academic, strategic, and research leadership to position IGS as a leader in the field.

    • Oversee staff management, academic programme development, and accreditation.

    • Lead financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.

    • Enhance national and international collaborations and partnerships.

    • Foster innovation in teaching, learning, and research.

    • Guide the institute’s research vision and promote a high-performance culture.

    • Support and develop staff and students, ensuring academic excellence and ethical standards.

    Qualifications:

    Associate Professor:

    • PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).

    • NRF rating of C3 or equivalent.

    • Proven publication record in accredited national and international journals.

    • Supervision of master’s students and external examining experience.

    • Proven third-stream income generation.

    • Active editorial and scholarly society participation.

    Professor:

    • PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).

    • NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent.

    • Proven international research leadership and keynote presentations.

    • Supervision of both master’s and doctoral students.

    • Editorial role in high-quality international journals.

    • Strong industry engagement and income generation experience.

    Preferred:

    • Experience with programme accreditation and quality assurance.

    • Involvement in scholarly journal boards and conference organisation.

    • Knowledge of DHET, CHE, and NQF frameworks.

    • Experience with academic change management.

    • Registration with a relevant professional body or the ability to register.

    • At least 5 years’ experience in staff and resource management.

    Competencies:

    • Strategic thinking and detailed organizational planning.

    • Excellent leadership and change management abilities.

    • Collaborative team-builder and mentor.

    • Financial acumen and policy adherence.

    • Effective communicator and consensus builder.

    • Proficient in MS Office and academic systems.

    Benefits:

    • Pension scheme

    • Medical aid scheme

    • Group life insurance

    • Housing allowance

    • Paid leave and sick leave

    • Service bonus

    • Study benefits

    Application Process:

    • Submit a detailed CV, cover letter, and supporting documentation (qualifications, academic transcripts, ID/passport, professional registration proof, employment verification, and driver’s license if applicable) online via:
    • https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll
    • Closing Date: 08 June 2025
    • Assumption of Duties: 01 January 2026

    For Enquiries:  051 401 9813
    📧 PhokaR@ufs.ac.za | Recruit@ufs.ac.za
    📞 Additional assistance: 051 401 2979 / 9810 / 9814

    Also See: Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (Job ID: 6132) – (1823)

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